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Chichibu 2009 3 Years Single Malt Whisky

Chichibu 2009

Chichibu

Saitama Prefecture · Japan

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Whisky Information

Age
3 years
ABV
50.5%
Volume
700 ml
Category
Single Malt Whisky
Distillery
Chichibu
Distillation Year
2009
Bottling Year
2012

Price

Latest market prices from domestic and international sources

Recent history

Lowest Price:€793.45(2024-02-28)

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Chichibu Distillery represents one of modern whisky's most compelling revival stories. Founded in 2007 by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of Hanyu Distillery's founder, this craft distillery is located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture—approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. Production commenced in February 2008, marking the return of the Akuto family's whisky-making legacy. The distillery embodies the intersection of Scottish tradition and Japanese craftsmanship. Its compact production setup includes a small mill, a single mash tun, and uniquely, several fermentation tanks crafted from Japanese oak (mizunara)—a rarity in whisky production that imparts distinctive character. The twin copper pot stills, commissioned from Scotland's renowned Forsyths of Rothes, are deliberately small-scale, promoting robust flavor development through increased copper contact. Maturation occurs in traditional dunnage warehouses, where the humid continental climate of Saitama—with its dramatic seasonal temperature variations—accelerates aging dynamics. Ichiro Akuto employs a diverse cask regimen including ex-bourbon hogsheads, sherry butts, puncheons, and Japanese oak casks, often finishing whiskies in innovative wood types. Every expression is bottled without chill filtration or artificial coloring, preserving the spirit's authentic character. Chichibu has rapidly ascended to cult status, with its limited releases—particularly under the 'Ichiro's Malt' label—commanding global attention and embodying the precision, innovation, and artistry of new-generation Japanese whisky.
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Tasting Notes & Reviews

1-5 of 16 notes Log in to rate
Whiskyspace Notes 2374

Whiskyspace Notes 2374

Jul 28, 2026, 16:24:30

I tipped a neat into my glass and it felt like a stroll through a crisp autumn forest. Sweet acacia honey drips in the background, with a hint of green gooseberries and a whisper of cider apples. The finish is soft oil‑laden, a touch of grassiness that makes it feel fresh and almost floral. Lemon‑scented candle wax vibes pop up with a splash of orange drops, while the subtle pear and white‑wine notes lift the whole thing. No peat, no smoke, just a mellow, buttery brioche feel with a faint custard dust. It’s a pretty delicate, top‑grade pour that’s just a tad green but utterly relaxed. 🌿🍎✨

Whiskyspace Notes 2309

Whiskyspace Notes 2309

Jul 5, 2026, 08:48:45

A quick sip and I’m hit with soft acacia honey and a fresh pear note, like an early‑summer orchard. There’s a gentle herbiness and a hint of greengage that makes it feel a bit grassy, almost like the scent of a lemon‑scented candle wafting through a garden. The youth of the whisky shows up – it’s light, pretty delicate, with a whisper of white‑wine acidity and a touch of orange drops. A dab of butterscotch and buttery brioche round it out, while a faint barky edge keeps it interesting. No peat at all, so it stays clean and easy, perfect for a relaxed evening. 😊

Whiskyspace Notes 2208

Whiskyspace Notes 2208

Jul 2, 2026, 14:18:19

Quite a pleasant sip – orange drops and white cherries up front, with a hint of greengages and lemon-scented candle wax. Soft sunflower oil texture gives it a smooth, medium body, like a light white wine. There’s a touch of brioche and easy acacia honey, plus a whisper of herbs. Pretty delicate, youthful feel, definitely more lively in an unpeated dram than a peated one. No peat, just simple and very good, without any doubts. 😊

Whiskyspace Notes 2178

Whiskyspace Notes 2178

Jun 28, 2026, 07:16:08

Right so this one's a proper easy drinker, no smoke at all which is lovely. Got this soft oily feel to it, like sunflower oil almost. First thing that hits you is cider apples and pears, really fresh like. Then you get these orange drops and a bit of butterscotch coming through. There's a nice grassy note, a tad grassier than I expected, with green gooseberries and greengages. The youth shows a bit, more than you'd get from a peater I reckon. Got that young Clynelish character about it. White cherries, some herbs, even a hint of lemon-scented candle wax which sounds odd but works. Brioche and custard on the finish with white wine vibes and acacia honey sweetness. Autumn leaves and barks in the background. Very good stuff, just a little simple but top distillate quality. Medium length finish. Pretty easy to sip 🍂

Whiskyspace Notes 1742

Whiskyspace Notes 1742

Jun 23, 2026, 08:52:58

Fairly easy to drink, I'd say. First thing I get is this lovely note of white cherries and greengages, almost like smelling a lemon-scented candle wax alongside some fresh pears. 🍐 There's a lovely sweetness that reminds me of easy acabbia honey and a touch of butterscotch, but it stays pretty delicate. The mouthfeel is soft, almost like a light sunflower oil. I'm thinking of custard and warm brioche, with hints of green gooseberries and cider apples keeping it fresh. No peat or smoke at all, which makes the youth feel more pronounced than in a smoky one. There's a bit of grassiness and autumn leaves, a tad grassier maybe, with lemons and orange drops coming through. It's very good, just a little simple for me. A pretty easy, medium-bodied sipper.

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