Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve Batch #131

Discover the exceptional Chichibu Ichiro's Mizunara Wood Reserve, a rare Japanese whisky that harmoniously combines craftsmanship and nature. This exclusive blend contains carefully selected whiskies from Chichibu Distillery and the legendary, now closed, Hanyu Distillery. Matured in rare Mizunara oak casks.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose opens with delicate aromas of sandalwood and incense, typical of Mizunara oak casks. Subtle notes of vanilla and honey are accompanied by delicate hints of coconut and exotic spices. A hint of ripe fruits such as peach and apricot adds a sweet, fruity dimension, while a gentle undertone of flowers and spices adds complexity.

Taste

A rich, layered flavour reveals itself at the first sip. Tones of creamy vanilla and honey mingle with ripe pears and apples. The influence of the Mizunara casks emerges with hints of sandalwood, clove and cinnamon. The midpalate offers a delicate balance of sweetness and spice, with a subtle hint of coconut and a light, pleasant smokiness coming from the Chichibu and Hanyu distilleries.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of exotic spices and a gentle smokiness that slowly fades. The unique influence of Mizunara oak offers a refined, woody dryness with hints of incense and a touch of leather, leaving each sip with a lasting and refined impression.

Overall impression

Chichibu Ichiro's Mizunara Wood Reserve is a masterfully balanced whisky that unites the rich, complex characteristics of both Chichibu and Hanyu distilleries. Its unique maturation in Mizunara oak casks adds an exotic dimension, making this whisky a real treat for aficionados and an excellent choice for special occasions.

Chichibu Distillery

Chichibu Distillery is located in the picturesque town of Chichibu, about 100 kilometres northwest of Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto, a renowned name in the Japanese whisky industry, Chichibu has quickly built a reputation for producing high-quality craft whiskies.

A unique feature of Chichibu is the use of locally grown barley and pure water from the surrounding mountains, which contributes to the exceptional quality of their whisky. The distillery combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches, including the use of a wide range of casks such as ex-bourbon, sherry and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. This creates complex and sophisticated flavour profiles.

Chichibu whiskies are known for their rich and versatile character, with notes of vanilla, fruit, spice and sometimes a subtle smokiness. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of Ichiro Akuto and his team are reflected in the international recognition and awards their whiskies have received.

The combination of a beautiful location, high-quality local ingredients and a strong commitment to quality makes Chichibu Distillery a respected name in the world of Japanese whisky.