Ichiro's Malt Chichibu The First
Single Malt
Chichibu // Japan
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Cost
'The First' is the first single malt produced at the Chichibu Distillery, founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto. His family had a history of producing sake for 300 years before his grandfather tried his hand at distilling in 1946. That distillery, Hanyu, unfortunately only lasted two generations, but Ichiro is keeping the family tradition alive. The First is aged in seven ex-bourbon casks and one Japanese Mizunara oak cask. Only 2,040 bottles are available.
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age3
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abv59.0
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Single MaltDistilled in pot stills from 100% malted barley, produced at one distillery, aged in barrels; if Scotch or Irish, must be aged for at least three years.
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Cask Typeex-bourbon, Mizunara oak
Tasting Notes
"Despite being bottled at 118 proof, the whisky is surprisingly easy to drink without water. The intensity picks up just a bit by adding a few drops of water to bring fresh nectarine, apple skin, vanilla, and cinnamon to the forefront. It is hard to believe the whisky is only three years old as many young whiskies aren't very dynamic. The First is a fantastic preview of what is to come from Ichiro and his Chichibu Distillery. "
Reviewed by
Stephanie Moreno