A six-year-old Chichibu single malt from red wine cask #2275, distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2019 for Mitsukoshi Isetan. Only 110 bottles were filled, and the wine cask gives a darker, fruit-heavy side to the distillery's spirit.
About This Whisky
The spirit spent six years in cask #2275, a red wine cask, before bottling in 2019. Wine casks have been part of Chichibu's range since the early years, adding colour, red fruit and a little tannin to the fairly fruity new make. This cask was selected for the Mitsukoshi Isetan department store group, whose Chichibu single casks are sought after in Japan. It was bottled at natural cask strength.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Red cherry, plum and raspberry, with vanilla, malt and oak spice.
- Palate: Concentrated and fruity, with berry compote, sweet malt, dark chocolate and warming spice.
- Finish: Long and wine-led, with red fruit, pepper and drying oak.
Serving & Food
Give this one a larger glass, even a small red wine glass, so the berry notes have room. A little water tames the strength. Roast duck, braised beef short rib or a dense dark chocolate torte all pair well.
How to Enjoy
Chichibu regulars after a darker, richer single cask, and fans of red wine finishes.
Product Details
Producer: Chichibu / Ichiro's Malt
Country: Japan
Region: Saitama
Category: Japanese single malt whisky
Distilled: 2012
Bottled: 2019
Age: 6 years
Cask Type: Red wine cask
Cask Number: #2275
Selection: Mitsukoshi Isetan
Bottles: 110
ABV: 63.3%
Volume: 700ml
About the Distillery
Chichibu has tried a wide range of wine casks since it opened, alongside bourbon barrels, sherry butts and Japanese oak. Founder Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the man who started Hanyu, began distilling here in 2008 after several years selling rescued Hanyu stock under the Ichiro's Malt label. The stills are small and the climate is harsh, with big seasonal swings in the Saitama hills, so casks give up flavour quickly. Red wine casks in particular tend to add colour and fruit within a few years.