Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Batch #100

Ichiro's Wine Wood Reserve is a special whisky distinguished by its unique maturation in wine casks, which adds depth and complexity to the flavour. This whisky is a blend of carefully selected malt whiskies from Chichibu Distillery and the now-closed Hanyu Distillery. The Wine Wood Reserve is further matured in carefully selected French wine casks after an initial maturation.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose opens with rich complexity, in which ripe red fruits such as berries, cherries and plums immediately stand out. These are accompanied by sweet aromas of honey and vanilla. Subtle hints of dark chocolate and toffee add depth. There is also a delicate floral undertone, reminiscent of blooming flowers, with a touch of spiciness and the influence of French wine casks, making for a light, elegant wine-like scent.

Taste

At the first sip, a full and luscious flavour reveals itself. Notes of juicy berries and ripe cherries mingle with layers of caramel and toffee, creating a sweet and creamy texture. The midpalate brings out spicy accents such as cinnamon and nutmeg, with a subtle hint of oak. The influence of the wine casks is evident, creating a rich and layered flavour experience with a hint of tannins.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of red fruits and sweet spices. The soft, creamy texture lingers, while the wine cask ageing provides a refined dryness and a hint of oak. A slight nuttiness and a hint of leather add an extra dimension, leaving each sip with a lasting and elegant impression.

Overall impression

Chichibu Ichiro's Wine Wood Reserve is a masterfully balanced whisky that offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, fruitiness and woody complexity. Maturation in French wine casks adds a unique dimension, making this whisky stand out with its rich, layered flavours and refined finish. This whisky is 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.