CHICHIBU - Paris Edition 2023 - 49.50%
Ichiro’s Malt is an essential reference in the field of independent bottling of exceptional quality Japanese whisky. Founded by Ichiro Akuto in the heart of Chichibu, a charming town located just 100 km northwest of Tokyo, this artisanal distillery began in a modest facility equipped with only two small stills. The richness of its expertise comes from family heritage: his grandfather then ran the famous Hanyu distillery, created in 1625 initially as a sake brewery before obtaining an official license to produce whisky in 1941. Continuing this family tradition, Ichiro's father acquired two Scottish stills capable of producing about 400 barrels per year. Despite a difficult economic context in the early 2000s, marked by a decrease in sake consumption and the sale of the family business, Ichiro Akuto managed to turn this obstacle into a great opportunity by recovering the stills and whisky barrels still maturing.
Today, Ichiro Akuto is one of the most innovative and ambitious Japanese master distillers, passionately perpetuating the traditional methods learned at the Hanyu distillery. His cellar currently holds nearly 4,000 barrels of sherry, wine, and bourbon in maturation, reflecting his constant quest for aromatic complexity. Furthermore, Ichiro has embarked on a unique project: cultivating local barley to create a truly authentic and 100% Japanese whisky, reflecting its original terroir.
The Chichibu Paris Edition 2023 is an exceptional blend of Chichibu whiskies aged 5 to 7 years, carefully matured in Bourbon barrels, quarter casks (chidibaru), and hogsheads. This limited edition embodies all Japanese expertise and the finesse of barrel aging, offering a rich and balanced aromatic profile, ideal for true Japanese whisky enthusiasts.
