Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu (Exclusively Bottled for Hankyu Department Store 2023)

This is an ultra-rare single-cask bottling of Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu (Exclusively Bottled for Hankyu Department Store 2023). Unlike many highly ornate Japanese whisky labels, this release opted for a clean, minimalist design, ensuring that collectors pay strictly for the high-quality liquid inside rather than artistic packaging gimmicks.

• Distillery: Chichibu Distillery, Saitama, Japan
• Distilled: 2016
• Bottled: 2023
• Age: 7 Years Old
• Cask Profile: Matured initially in a bourbon cask and finished in a single Red Wine Cask (Cask No. 14043)
• Barley Type: Propino (a vintage, high-quality malting barley)
• Rarity: An incredibly small batch of only 280 bottles globally
• Specifications: Bottled at a massive cask strength of 64% ABV, uncolored and non-chill filtered

Brief Tasting Notes
Red wine casks interact powerfully with Chichibu's intense, oily spirit, cutting through the high proof with a thick layer of dark fruits and dry spices.

• Nose: Upfront alcohol punch from the 64% ABV that opens up into thick aromas of stewed plums, dark cherries, and red grapes. Underneath lies the classic Chichibu base of sweet malt, vanilla pods, and fresh orchard fruits
• Palate: Intense, warming, and heavily textured. Sweet red berry compote, dark chocolate, and black currant flavors take center stage. The high proof delivers an unadulterated wave of rich oak, black tea tannins, and a gentle hint of warming baking spices
• Finish: Long-lasting and satisfyingly dry. The heavy wine influences leave a lingering trail of dark cocoa, dried cranberries, clove, and a slight hint of nutty wood structure