CHICHIBU - Paris Edition 2020 - 52.80%
Ichiro’s Malt is a renowned Japanese independent whisky bottling company, recognized for its unique expertise and commitment to excellence. Founded by Ichiro Akuto in a modest workshop located in Chichibu, a charming town about 100 km northwest of Tokyo, this craft distillery started with only two small stills. Akuto's training in the art of distillation comes from a rich family tradition. His grandfather, a pioneer and leader of a sake brewery, owned the legendary Hanyu distillery, established in 1625. In 1941, he obtained an official license to produce whisky, paving the way for several generations. Ichiro's father continued this family passion and acquired two Scottish stills capable of producing about 400 barrels per year. However, in 2000, faced with Japan's economic decline and decreasing sake consumption, the family had to sell the business. Despite this setback, Ichiro Akuto seized the opportunity to recover the precious stills and whisky barrels, thus continuing the legacy with determination.
Today, Ichiro Akuto perpetuates the ancestral techniques acquired at the Hanyu distillery while innovating to become one of the most ambitious and respected Japanese distillers in the industry. About 4,000 barrels of Sherry, wine, and Bourbon are maturing, ensuring exceptional aromatic diversity. Furthermore, he leads innovative projects by locally cultivating barley, aiming to produce a 100% Japanese whisky, thus celebrating the authenticity and richness of his terroir.
Chichibu Paris Edition 2020 is a work of art resulting from a meticulous blend of five barrels distilled in 2013: a first-fill peated Bourbon barrel, three virgin oak barrels, and a Port pipe barrel, combined with three barrels distilled in 2014: two quarter casks (chibidaru) and a barrel aged in red wine. This subtle marriage reveals a fascinating complexity and impressive aromatic richness.
Slightly Peated
