Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu The First distilled 2008

Product of: Japan

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Ichiro Akuto started distilling at his newly constructed Chichibu Distillery in 2008 and this aptly named malt launched in September (2011) is the first release to be aged for 3 years so able to be termed 'whisky'. Aged in 200-litre American oak, a blend of 31 barrels which produced 7,400 bottles.

Akuto says the vastly contrasting day and night temperatures at the distillery cause his whisky to mature unusually quickly.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 28/09/2011

Appearance:

Clear, pale golden.

Aroma:

Keeps changing and giving as more water is added to tame this powerful whisky. Pungent aromas of juniper and linseed oils, fudge, dessicated coconut, orange flower water and lemon zest.

Taste:

This precocious child genius of a whisky drinks like a mature 12-year-old. The delicious palate strikes a perfect balance between oak, Indian spice and honey with dried tropical fruit, vanillin, tangy citrus and dried lavender flavours.

Aftertaste:

Long woody, brazil nut, delightfully spiced.