ICHIRO’S MALT
It started three centuries ago when the first of Ichiro Akuto’s forefathers began making alcoholic beverages in countryside of Saitama, Japan. His grandfather opened the now legendary Hanyu Distillery in the mid-1940’s and began making malt whiskies that thrived right alongside the Japanese economic boom of the 1980’s. However, when the economic bubble burst in the 1990’s, so too did the first Japanese whisky boom, leading Hanyu Distillery and many others to close their doors indefinitely.
Ichiro saved his grandfathers’ last remaining whisky casks and slowly released them in a variety of bottlings, to a surprisingly cold reception. His final release, The Playing Card Series, is now legendary with individual bottles being considered the unicorns of the Japanese whisky world.
With this success Ichiro saw that the revival of artisan Japanese whisky was imminent and opened his own distillery in the beautiful Chichibu region two hours west of Tokyo. Uniquely, Chichibu Distillery also built its own cooperage and floor malting facility on site. The distillery is also the only in the world to use 100% Mizunara Japanese oak washbacks which creates the distinctly fruitier Ichiro’s Malt style of whisky. All of this coupled with continuing to mark heads and tails by nose and tasting DAILY rather than timed measurements adds to the illustrious status of this small yet impactful distillery.
Akuto Ichiro is an icon of the whisky world, a 21st century whisky maker who embraces the heritage and heart of the Scots while perfectly executing the precision and art of the Japanese and their shokunin philosophy.
PRODUCTS
Ichiro's Malt & grain whisky, NAS 46.5% ABV
This "All-World Blend" is the first of its kind. This build is primarily 10 year old Chichibu whisky blended with a selection of Scotch, Irish Whiskey, Canadian Rye & American Whiskey, aged in home country anywhere from 3 - 20 years, transferred to Chichibu and then aged again on sight for an additional 2-3 years. lchiro's Malt & Grain is blended to balance a heart of Japanese whisky complimented by the major whisk(e)y regions of the world.
tasting notes
Nose: Apricot, Popcorn Toffee, Vanilla Cream, Meyer Lemon Zest
Palate: Light Texture Notes of Toffee Roasted Chestnut Gingerbread, Vanilla & Black Pepper
Finish: Medium-long with Honey & Black Pepper
Ichiro's Malt & grain limited edition 48.0% ABV
This whisky is a limited-edition version of the beloved [white label] Malt & Grain. Often referred to as a "World Blend", Malt & Grain Limited Edition is a beautiful harmony of Scotch, Canadian Rye, American Bourbon, Irish Whiskey and Ichiro's Japanese single malt. All the whiskies are 10+ years with many of the world whiskies ranging from 20-40 years of age. Malt & Grain Limited Edition is layered with complexity; each terroir emphasizes its unique characteristics in a balanced, in-depth fashion.
tasting notes
Nose: Apple pie, sweet corn, white pepper, honey
Palate: Toffee, vanilla, caramel
Finish: A lingering malty richness evolves into warm notes of autumn spice.
ICHIRO'S MALT & GRAIN 111 55.5% ABV
Ichiro's Malt and Grain 111 is more than just the sum of its parts. This U.S. exclusive bottling is in no small way, a revelation in blending. Not just a stronger version of the classic "white label" world blend, the 111 gets a reformulation entirely. Like others in this series, the 111 is an exploration of the world's major whisky producing regions, blending malt and grain whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and America. These whiskies ranging from 4-17 years in age are married with Ichiro's own 5 year old single malt at Chichibu. Unlike its prior white and blue label releases, Ichiro's Malt and Grain 111 sees the inclusion of peated malt into its blend, giving the whisky a subtly smokey depth. Additionally, the ABV has been raised to a sturdy 55.5% (111 proof) marking the first time this core blend has been bottled at such a high strength outside of a distillery exclusive release. The complex aromatics show cola, shortbread, and sweet tobacco. Flavors of candied orange slices and dried pineapple build to a slightly smokey finish, flush with tropical fruit and sea salt. Ichiro and his team of dedicated craftspeople at Chichibu underscore the argument that blended whisky is anything but inferior to single malt.
SPECIAL NOTES
A U.S. EXCLUSIVE RELEASE OF THE CLASSIC WORLD BLEND
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
55.5% ABV
style
WORLD BLENDED WHISKY
Age Statement
na
BARRELS USED TO AGE
EX-BOURBON, EX-RYE, AND A VARIETY OF OTHERS
peated
yes
ICHIRO'S MALT CHICHIBU SINGLE CASK "NIGHT'S PARADE OF 100 DEMONS" #5742 63% ABV
This U.S. exclusive cask released in 2024 was selected for our friends at K&L Wine Merchants in California. Distilled in 2016, solely from Propino barley and bottled at 63% ABV, this single malt whisky was matured at Chichibu in a single first fill ex-bourbon barrel. The label depicts a woodblock print "Night's Parade of 100 Demons" from the Edo Period Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyosai.
SPECIAL NOTES
K&L Wine Merchants Exclusive Cask
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
63% ABV
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
7 YR
BARLEY
PROPINO
HOW MANY BOTTLES FOR U.S.
195 BOTTLES
BARRELS USED TO AGE
SINGLE FIRST FILL EX-BOURBON BARREL
avg ppms
Na
ICHIRO'S MALT CHICHIBU SINGLE CASK "CAT AND MOUSE" #3861 60.4% ABV
This U.S. exclusive cask we selected for our friends at Everson Royce in Los Angeles California to be released at the first Chichibu Party celebrating the history of the distillery and its whiskies. This special single malt was distilled in 2014 from Concerto barley and aged in a single second fill ex-bourbon barrel before being bottled at 60.4% ABV. Truly a one of a kind release to commemorate a one of a kind celebration for a one of a kind distillery.
SPECIAL NOTES
SPECIAL RELEASE FOR EVERSON ROYCE'S CHICHIBU PARTY 2024k
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
60.4% ABV
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
8 YR
BARLEY
CONCERTO
HOW MANY BOTTLES FOR U.S.
178 BOTTLES
BARRELS USED TO AGE
SINGLE SECOND FILL EX-BOURBON BARREL
ICHIRO'S MALT CHICHIBU SINGLE CASK "BIRD AND SNAKE" #5790 63.7% ABV
One of the five single cask releases exclusive to the United States for 2024 Cask #5790 was distilled in 2016 from both Propino and Concerto barley. It was matured in a single first fill ex-bourbon barrel and bottled at 63.7% ABV. Each of these five single casks for 2024 is labeled with a woodblock print image from the highly influential Edo Period artist Kawanabe Kyosai. Earning the nickname "The Drawing Demon" from his mentor in the artistic studies of his youth, Kyosai went on to be one of Japan's first political satirists, who is considered by many to be the spiritual successor to the great ukiyo-e artist Hokusai. Like Kawanabe san's art, Ichiro makes his whiskies on his own terms to uncompromising quality and effect.
SPECIAL NOTES
LABEL IMAGE BY EDO PERIOD ARTIST KAWANABE KYOSAI 18805k
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
63.7% ABV
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
7 YR
BARLEY
PROPINO AND CONCERTO
HOW MANY BOTTLES FOR U.S.
188 BOTTLES
BARRELS USED TO AGE
SINGLE 1ST FILL EX-BOURBON BARREL
ICHIRO'S MALT CHICHIBU SINGLE CASK "CROW" #7180 61.9% ABV
One of the five single cask releases exclusive to the United States for 2024 Cask #7180 was distilled in 2016 from Concerto barley. It was matured in a single red wine cask and bottled at 61.9% ABV. Each of these five single casks for 2024 is labeled with a woodblock print image from the highly influential Edo Period artist Kawanabe Kyosai. Earning the nickname "The Drawing Demon" from his mentor in the artistic studies of his youth, Kyosai went on to be one of Japan's first political satirists who is considered by many to be the spiritual successor to the great ukiyo-e artist Hokusai. Like Kawanabe san's art, Ichiro makes his whiskies on his own terms to uncompromising quality and effect.
SPECIAL NOTES
LABEL IMAGE BY EDO PERIOD ARTIST KAWANABE KYOSAI 18805
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
61.9% ABV
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
6 YR
BARLEY
CONCERTO
HOW MANY BOTTLES FOR U.S.
264 BOTTLES
BARRELS USED TO AGE
RED WINE CASK
ICHIRO'S MALT CHICHIBU SINGLE CASK "TIGER" #6860 58.3% ABV
This U.S. exclusive cask released in 2024 was selected for our friends at Astor Wines and Spirits in New York. Distilled in 2016, solely from Odyssey barley and bottled at 58.3% ABV, this single malt whisky was matured at Chichibu in a single American Virgin Oak barrel. The label depicts a woodblock print "Tiger" from the Edo Period Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyosai.
SPECIAL NOTES
Astor Wines and Spirits Exclusive Cask
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
58.3% ABV
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
6 YR
BARLEY
Odyssey
HOW MANY BOTTLES FOR U.S.
210 BOTTLES
BARRELS USED TO AGE
Single American Virgin Oak Cask
US EDITION SINGLE MALT 2023 53.5% ABV
This latest release of the legendary Chichibu’s single malt exclusive to the US is heavily peated whisky vatted from over fourteen casks. The base is aged in T5 virgin French oak barrels and married with a variety of supporting casks, including sherry, mizunara hog’s head, and chibi daru quarter casks. Aromas of orange peel, mint, loquat, and melon are followed by a rich palate of soft sweetness yielding to a nutty herbal finish. These annual editions of Ichiro Akuto’s single malt whisky serve as a strong reminder that they are all history in the making.
SPECIAL NOTES
The latest edition of Chichibu’s exclusive release to the U.S. features an anachronistic label change featuring Commodore Matthew Perry enjoying a dram of Ichiro’s whiskey in the U.S. Capitol surrounded by the cherry blossom trees gifted from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki and Dr. Jokichi Takamine in 1909.
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
53.5% ABV
location
saitama
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
nas
average age
4 - 7 yrs
peated
yes
bottle release
2640 bottles
avg ppms
heavily peated
barrels used to age
T5 VIRGIN FRENCH OAK CASKS, MIZUNARA HOG’S HEAD, SHERRY, CHIBI DARU
red wine cask 2023 50.5% ABV
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023 Single Malt is a vatting of whiskies ranging from 6 to 13 years of age that are matured in 36 red wine barrels from France, America, New Zealand, and Japan. The nose presents all the beauty of dark red fruit that intermingles with the malty aromas of honey and cocoa. An exceedingly smooth dram; its flavors of citrus, loquat, blueberry, and anise yield to a wonderfully bittersweet finish of clove and milk chocolate. Another stunner of a single malt from the wonderful craftspeople of Chichibu Distillery.
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
50.5% ABV
location
saitama
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
nas
average age
6 - 13 yrs
peated
no
bottle release
600 bottles
barrels used to age
RED WINE CASKS FROM FRANCE, AMERICA, NEW ZEALAND AND JAPAN
CASK #7086 SINGLE BARREL 63.8% ABV
Year of the Rabbit
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
63.8% ABV
base
malted barley
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
5 YEARS
stills
copper pot
cask types
bourbon bbl ex-peated fill
bottle release
220 bottles
special notes
This single cask of Chichibu exclusive to the American market is 5 years old and cask strength. The whisky spent its maturation time in an ex-bourbon barrel that previously held peated Chichibu whisky that was pulled at 64.1% ABV. The result is a beautifully nuanced whisky, which while not directly peated – has an elegant smokey character.
CASK #4337 SINGLE BARREL 61.0% ABV
Year of the Dragon
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
61.0% ABV
base
malted barley
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
7 YEARS
stills
copper pot
cask types
bourbon bbl
bottle release
163 bottles
special notes
This single cask of Chichibu exclusive to the American market is a 7-year-old and is cask strength at a sturdy 61.0% ABV. The concerto barley used in the production of this single barrel whisky was floor malted at the Chichibu Distillery. This step of production is commonly left to large malting houses, and Ichiro’s insistence to create his own malt further solidifies his reputation as a trailblazing Japanese craftsperson.
CASK #11048 SINGLE BARREL 62.1% ABV
Year of the Tiger
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
62.1% ABV
DISTILLERY LOCATION
Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
7 YEARS
Barrel Used to Age
Imperial IPA Cask
NUMBER OF BOTTLES
251 Bottles
Mash Bill
Concerto Barley
special notes
This single barrel release from the legendary Chichibu Distillery utilizes an imperial IPA cask to finish this 7 year old whisky. For the past several years Chichibu has been passing casks that previously held their aged malt off to the beloved Tamamura Honten brewery in Nagano. The brewers then refill the casks with a Shiga Kogan Imperial IPA and let it age. Once the ale reaches maturity, it is pulled from the cask which is then sent back to the Chichibu distillery to finish their malt whisky in. This single malt represents a unique symbiosis between two pillars of Japanese craft beverage at the top of their respective games.
CASK #3810 SINGLE BARREL 64.1% ABV
Year of the ox
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
64.1% ABV
DISTILLERY LOCATION
Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
6 YEARS
Barrel Used to Age
Bourbon Barrel
NUMBER OF BOTTLES
179 Bottles
Mash Bill
Concerto Barley
DOUBLE DISTILLERIES 2021 53% ABV
THE SIX YEAR SECRET UNVEILED
Venture Whisky and Hombo Shuzo have announced that they are releasing new bottles of malt whisky: Double Distilleries 2021 from Venture Whisky and Malt Duo 2021 from Hombo Shuzo. The new bottles are the result of a collaboration between the two distilleries in terms of a whisky exchange. The companies initiated the joint project in 2015 and started by exchanging new-make whisky. The distilleries then stored the spirits they received in casks in their warehouses.
They spent almost six years aging the whisky, watching the progress closely and reporting to each other on how the whisky was developing. Getting reports on the maturation status from the other distillery was like “hearing about my children growing up in a different city,” said Mr. Kunai, the director and blender of Mars Whisky.
Both Venture Whisky and Hombo Shuzo believe that the experiment had led to new dimensions that were brought by the different malts. They hope that whisky fans around the world will enjoy their new products and that more people will enjoy a variety of Japanese whisky in the future.
tasting notes
On the nose a hint of guava, Okinawan black sugar and wet forest. On the palate lightly saline with a lingering finish of overripe banana.
CHICHIBU THE US EDITION 2022 53.5% ABV
This annual release of Chichibu single malt for the US market focuses on a selection of barrels which previously held IPA, imperial stout, and cider that had been hopped. The US Edition 2022 is a continuing evolution of experimentation and craft from the trailblazing Chichibu Distillery.
alcohol
53.5% ABV
age
NAS
type
single malt
base
malted barley
Stills
copper pot
us release
2233 bottles
cask types
Hog’s Head, Ex-IPA Cask, Ex-Imperial Stout Cask, and an Ex-Hopped Cider Cask
CHICHIBU THE US EDITION 2021 53.5% ABV
alcohol
53.5% ABV
age
NAS
type
single malt
chill filtration
none
release
single
us release
2150 bottles
special notes
annual international release corresponding with the paris, london and taiwan editions
CHICHIBU THE US EDITION 2020 55.5% ABV
alcohol
55.5% ABV
aged
5 years
edition
us edition 2020
condenser
shell & tube
chill filtration
none
peat level
30PPM
caramel coloring
none
production
2109 bottles
stills
2000L pot
heating
indirect
washbacks
mizunara oaks x 8
cask type
bourbon, ex-bourbon, ex-chibidaru, ex-wine cask
special notes
annual international release corresponding with the paris, london and taiwan editions
the first ten 50.5% abv
The first official 10 year bottling from the Chichibu Distillery. Although there have been special bottlings such as the Malt Dream Cask releases that have hit 10 years The First Ten is the first and only age statement release from Chichibu Distillery. A portion of the malt included in this bottling is locally grown in Chichibu making it one of a kind from both an age statement and raw materials perspective.
tasting notes
Fresh & fruity with long lingering savory notes of honey
CHICHIBU THE PEATED 2022 SINGLE MALT 53.5% ABV
BOTTLE SIZE
700ml
ABV PERCENTAGE
53.5% ABV
PPM
50 PPM
style
SINGLE MALT
Age Statement
NAS
stills
copper pot
cask types
bourbon bbl
US bottle release
600 bottles
special notes
With the release of The Peated 2022 Single Malt, Chichibu marks its return to a release from this series since 2018. All the barley is malted over peat fires on site at their distillery in Saitama, a step of production usually left to larger malting houses in the UK. Chichibu The Peated 2022 is a return to form for series of whiskies that has been sorely missed
Single Cask #3912 62% ABV
ichiro's malt chichibu
alcohol
62% ABV
aged
6 years
cask type
bourbon barrel
barley
venture
caramel coloring
none
production
202 bottles
stills
2000L pot
condenser
shell & tube
heating
indirect
chill filtration
none
washbacks
mizunara oaks x 8
special notes
Featured on the label is scooby a 12 yr old great dane mix, certified good boy and unofficial mascot of high road spirits
Single Cask #9152 58% ABV
ichiro's malt chichibu
alcohol
58% ABV
aged
8 years
cask type
red wine cask
barley
tipple
caramel coloring
none
production
229 bottles
stills
2000L pot
condenser
shell & tube
heating
indirect
chill filtration
none
washbacks
mizunara oaks x 8
special notes
The barley in this whisky was floor malted at chichibu distillery
CHICHIBU ON THE WAY 51.5% ABV
Perfect example of Chichibu’s perfected balance of malt, fruit & spice. The nose shines with dried orange & caramel, fruit spice & a delicious light woodiness. Apples, pear skin, cereal & maple syrup notes mingle on the palate with classic malty oak tannins & a touch of vanilla. A chewy, lingering nutty finish in all the best ways with soft notes of leather & oak.
CHICHIBU THE US EDITION 2019
A classic Chichibu style lush textured whisky followed by subtle aromas of toasted biscuits. Initially the palate is sharp & dry, then elegantly evolves into overripened grapes & pristine bourbon. The finish is clean with just a hint of sweetness.
Cask #2345 Braemar Malt Ex-bourbon 6yr
Year of the Boar
tasting notes
Nose: Balanced notes of stone fruit, honey & hay that evolves into a malty fruit basket when opened up.
Palate: Classic lushness synonymous with Chichibu whiskies with initial notes of allspice followed by deep notes of warm dates, citrus peel & toffee.
Finish: Long, lingering & rich with beautiful hints of almond brittle and a subtle sweetness to match.
Cask #2134 Concerto Malt Ex-bourbon 6yr
Year of the rat
tasting notes
Nose: Overripe melon & a clean nuttiness with subtle hints of biscuit & cocoa.
Palate: Rich & full-bodied with perfectly light flavors of vanilla & apricot.
Finish: A lingering malty richness evolves into warm notes of autumn spice.
ichiro's malt The US Edition 2018
Type: Single Malt
Aged: 5yr & 6yr
ABV: 56.4%
Bottles Released: 1235
Barrel Type: Four ex-bourbon barrels and one hogshead with Mizunara Oak heads.
ichiro's malt Single Cask #646
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
AGED: 8yr
ABV: 60.6%
BOTTLES RELEASED: 171
BARREL TYPE: Ex-bourbon barrel, one of the oldest Chichibu releases to date
ichiro's malt Single Cask #1487
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
AGED: 8yr
ABV: 60.6%
BOTTLES RELEASED: 171
BARREL TYPE: Ex-bourbon barrel, one of the oldest Chichibu releases to date
ichiro's malt Single Cask #708
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
ichiro's malt Port Pipe Single Cask # 1367
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
AGED: 5 yrs
ABV: 62.4%
BOTTLES RELEASED: 618
NOTES: The first single cask release for the US.
The Floor Malted
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
AGED: 3 to 6 years
ABV: 58.5%
NOTES: Floor malted by the Chichibu team
ichiro's malt on the way
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
ichiro's malt the peated
TYPE: SINGLE MALT
ichiro's malt The First
TYPE: SINGLE MALT