CHICHIBU - Vintage 2013 - Virgin Oak - 50.90%
Ichiro’s Malt is a prestigious independent bottling company specializing in exceptional Japanese whisky. Founded by the passionate Ichiro Akuto in a humble yet historically rich workshop in Chichibu, just 100 km northwest of Tokyo, this artisanal house operates two small stills at the forefront of tradition. The distillation mastery Akuto acquired comes from an exceptional family heritage: his grandfather, a pioneer who launched the historic Hanyu distillery in 1625, originally a sake brewery, obtained a whisky distillation license in 1941. His father continued this tradition by importing two stills from Scotland capable of producing about 400 barrels, thus laying the foundation of a know-how passed down through generations. The Japanese economic crisis of 2000, combined with a decline in sake consumption, forced the family to sell their business, but Ichiro Akuto turned this setback into a real opportunity by recovering the stills and maturing whisky barrels, ensuring the continuity of this lineage of excellence.
Today, Ichiro Akuto embodies innovation and boldness at the heart of Japanese distillation with Clos des Spiritueux. Drawing on his experience at Hanyu, he currently oversees the maturation of nearly 4,000 barrels of sherry, wine, and bourbon, while exploring local barley agriculture on his own terroirs, aiming to create an authentically Japanese, refined, and unique whisky. This quest for authenticity and quality guarantees each bottle a singular character and unmatched aromatic depth, reflecting the terroir and artisanal passion.
This whisky is Non-Peated, offering an elegant tasting rich in nuances, perfect for lovers of fruity, floral, and woody notes, enhanced by aging in Virgin Oak casks.
