ICHIRO'S MALT & GRAIN - World Blend Whisky - Limited Edition 2021 - 48%
Ichiro’s Malt is a prestigious independent bottling company specializing in high-quality Japanese whisky. Founded by Ichiro Akuto in a modest workshop located in Chichibu, a charming town just 100 km northwest of Tokyo, this renowned house works with only two small artisanal stills. Akuto’s training in the art of whisky distillation is deeply rooted in family tradition. His grandfather was a pioneer, initially running a sake brewery before founding the Hanyu distillery in 1625, and obtaining in 1941 the precious whisky distiller’s license in Japan. Continuing this heritage, Akuto’s father invested in two stills imported from Scotland, capable of producing up to 400 barrels, thus affirming the family’s excellence in producing exceptional whiskies. Facing the Japanese economic crisis of 2000 and the decline in sake consumption, the Akuto family had to part with their business. Nevertheless, Ichiro Akuto brilliantly turned this ordeal into an opportunity by recovering the stills as well as the precious whisky barrels still maturing from the new brewery owners.
Today, Ichiro Akuto continues to passionately and skillfully perpetuate the ancestral techniques acquired at the Hanyu distillery. He stands out as one of the most innovative and visionary Japanese distillers. Currently, no fewer than 4,000 whisky barrels in maturation combine influences from Sherry, fine wines, and American Bourbon. At the same time, Akuto initiates unique experiments by cultivating local barley, aiming to create an intensely Japanese whisky, 100% terroir.
This exceptional blend brings together grains from international origins, truly defining its identity as a "World Blend Whisky". This limited edition of Ichiro's Malt & Grain is a carefully orchestrated blend of whiskies aged over 10 years, some of which are among the oldest barrels from the rare Chichibu stocks, guaranteeing aromatic depth and incomparable complexity.
