Chichibu

Chichibu represents the excellence and innovation of Japanese whisky. Founded by Ichiro Akuto, this artisanal distillery blends ancestral traditions with modern techniques to craft whiskies of rare complexity. Aged in small casks, they reveal subtle and refined aromas.

Each limited-edition Chichibu release is a true gem for whisky enthusiasts. Whether peated or unpeated, every whisky offers a perfect balance of aromatic richness and finesse. Discover the exclusive world of Japanese whisky.

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Price

€180.00 - €1,700.00

Alcohol

50 % ABV - 66 % ABV

Brand

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Age

4 years old - 10 years old

Vintage (years)

Full Proof

Single Cask

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Numbered copy

Rarity (copy number)

100 - 11000

whiskyfun

88 - 89
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The world of Chichibu whisky holds hidden treasures, reserved for the most devoted connoisseurs. Among them, the Chichibu distillery stands out for its quality and artisanal methods. Join us in discovering this Japanese gem.

An Exceptional Journey into Uncharted Territory

The Private Whisky Society team had the privilege of being invited to a private tour of this distillery, usually closed to the public. Founded by whisky enthusiast Ichiro Akuto, Chichibu aims to be a laboratory for experimenting with high-end single malts. Its success has earned it the third place among Japanese producers, behind Suntory and Nikka.

First Steps Thanks to Precious Legacies

Ichiro is the proud owner of the last barrels of Hanyu, Kawasaki, and Karuizawa, which he keeps in the cellars of Chichibu. To launch the distillery and the new brand, he initially released three pure malts from the first distillations of Chichibu and old casks from Hanyu: Mizunara Wood Reserve, Wine Wood Reserve, and Double Distilleries.

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

It wasn't until 2011 that Chichibu could release its first Single Malts. The distillery launched three versions: The First, The Floor Malted, and The Peated, with the latter being one of the finest examples of peated Japanese whisky.

Located at high altitude, the distillery benefits from a climate conducive to rapid whisky maturation. As a result, the spirits exhibit impressive complexity despite their youth—with an angel's share of 4% per year, double that of Scotland.

An Intimate and Artisanal Production Facility

The distillery consists of four buildings, including a visitor reception office, a production area, a cellar, and a warehouse that also serves as a malting area. Indeed, Chichibu produces its own malted barley for its "floor malted" series.

You will also find a Scottish mill, a small mash tun, eight Mizunara (Japanese oak) fermentation tanks, and two small stills with a total capacity of 2000 liters. With this setup, Chichibu produces approximately 2000 liters of whisky per week, ensuring maximum control over quality.

The Ultimate Verdict: Ichiro's Expert Palate

No whisky is bottled without passing through the discerning lips of Ichiro, who ensures that each product is worthy of Chichibu's excellence.

An Impressive Array of Barrels

In the distillery's cellars, you'll find barrels of all kinds, with varied and sometimes rare origins, such as French wine casks or fino (Spanish sherry casks), to name a few.

Chichibu: A Favorite of Excellence Rhum

Based on their experiences, it's clear that Chichibu is undoubtedly their favorite distillery in Japan.

In just four years of existence, it has succeeded in establishing its artisanal craftsmanship within the Japanese whisky industry. We can only expect it to continue delighting us with creations as intriguing as they are delicious in the years to come.