CHICHIBU - Vintage 2022 - The Peated - 53.50%
Ichiro’s Malt is an essential reference in the world of rare Japanese whisky, as an independent bottler of exceptional whisky. Founded by Ichiro Akuto, this iconic brand was born in an unusual and modest place in Chichibu, a charming town located only 100 km northwest of Tokyo, equipped with just two small artisanal stills. Akuto's distillation expertise is rooted in his family heritage: his grandfather was a historic pioneer, a sake maker and founder of the famous Hanyu distillery in 1625, before obtaining an official whisky distiller license in 1941. Akuto's father continued this tradition by acquiring two Scottish stills capable of producing about 400 barrels, thus reinforcing the excellence and quality of the family know-how. In 2000, faced with a severe economic decline in Japan and the drop in sake consumption, the family had to sell their brewery. But Ichiro Akuto, visionary and passionate, turned this crisis into an opportunity by recovering the stills and the precious whisky barrels already maturing with the new owners.
Today, Ichiro Akuto embodies boldness and innovation at the heart of Japanese whisky, implementing the distilled techniques of the Hanyu distillery to create exceptional spirits. More than 4,000 barrels of sherry, wine, and bourbon are currently maturing, while unprecedented experiments are underway to cultivate local barley, with the ambition to reveal an authentically Japanese whisky, reflecting the terroir and tradition.
In 2007, this passionate heir wrote a new chapter in the history of Japanese whisky by inaugurating the Chichibu distillery, nestled in Saitama Prefecture. Production began in February 2008 with advanced equipment including an artisanal mill, a specific mash tun, Mizunara (Japanese oak) washbacks, as well as a pair of custom-made copper stills by Forsyths of Rothes in Scotland. An exceptional variety of casks is used for aging: bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and hogsheads, all patiently refined in Chichibu's unique warehouses, guaranteeing aromatic richness and complexity of flavors for this iconic whisky.
Peated
