Chichibu Whisky's Past and Present - From the Hanyu Legend to Chichibu's Path to Prominence

In recent years, Japanese whisky has emerged as a prominent player in the global spirits market, distinguished by its exquisite production techniques and delicate flavours. Repeatedly winning international awards, it has become a sought-after treasure for whisky enthusiasts. Amidst this wave, alongside established giants like Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Yoichi, a number of young and vibrant new distilleries have also earned widespread acclaim for their exceptional quality and unique styles. Among them, Chichibu Distillery is one of the most dazzling new stars. Founded by the visionary Mr. Ichiro Akuto, Chichibu Distillery, despite its short history, has rapidly made a name for itself on the international stage through its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and a spirit of continuous innovation. This article will take you on an in-depth journey to understand the legendary story, production philosophy, core expressions, and unique flavour profile of Chichibu Whisky, with a brief mention of its reception in the Hong Kong market.

The Birth and Legend of Chichibu Distillery

To talk about Chichibu Distillery, one must mention its central figure — Mr. Ichiro Akuto. His story is, in itself, a whisky legend filled with passion and perseverance.

Ichiro Akuto - Inheriting the Family's Brewing Spirit

Ichiro Akuto's family has a long history of brewing, tracing back to 1625 when they founded a sake brewery in the Chichibu region. In the 21st generation, his grandfather, Mr. Isouji Akuto, led the family business 'Toa Shuzo' into spirits production in 1941, obtaining a whisky production license in 1946 and establishing the Hanyu Distillery. Although Hanyu Distillery was small, its whisky was of excellent quality and beloved by connoisseurs. However, like many small Japanese enterprises, Hanyu faced financial difficulties at the end of the 20th century and ceased operations in 2000. Subsequently, Hanyu's stock of maturing whisky faced the risk of being sold off, and the distillery itself was acquired by a new owner who planned to dismantle it.

Faced with this situation, Ichiro Akuto, who was then working at Suntory, did not give up on his family's legacy. He knew the remaining Hanyu stocks were of immense value and resolutely decided to purchase these precious casks to protect this brewing heritage. He then founded his own company, 'Venture Whisky', in 2004 and began bottling and selling these casks from Hanyu Distillery, varying in age and cask type, under the 'Ichiro's Malt' brand. The most celebrated of these releases was the highly creative 'Card Series'. This series consisted of 54 single cask whiskies meticulously selected from Hanyu's distillations between 1985 and 2000, each named after a playing card (including two jokers). Their unique flavours and extremely limited quantities quickly made them coveted treasures for whisky collectors worldwide, earning Ichiro Akuto the reputation as a 'pioneer of independent bottling in the Japanese whisky world'.

The Establishment of Chichibu Distillery

With the success of the Card Series, Ichiro Akuto gained valuable experience and capital. More importantly, he proved his unique vision and commitment to whisky quality. However, his dream was not just to sell old stocks but to build his own distillery capable of producing world-class whisky that represented the Japanese terroir. Thus, in 2004, he began preparations to establish a new distillery, choosing its location in the cradle of his family's brewing business — Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.

Chichibu City, located about 100 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, is surrounded by mountains and boasts rich natural resources and excellent water quality. The climate here is hot and humid in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. This significant diurnal temperature variation and distinct seasons provide exceptional conditions for whisky maturation, promoting more active interaction between the spirit and the oak cask, accelerating the extraction and transformation of flavours. After several years of careful preparation, Chichibu Distillery officially obtained its production license in November 2007 and began distilling its first New Make Spirit in February 2008. This marked the rise of a new star with infinite potential in the Japanese whisky world, and the story of Chichibu Whisky began a new chapter.

Chichibu Distillery is not large, and its annual production is relatively limited, but this allows it to focus on quality control in every step of the process, adhering to a small-batch, handcrafted approach. From raw material selection, mashing and fermentation, to distillation and maturation, Ichiro Akuto is personally involved, striving to infuse the Japanese spirit of 'takumi' or craftsmanship into every drop of whisky.

The Production Philosophy and Characteristics of Chichibu Whisky

The reason Chichibu Distillery has garnered such high praise in a short period lies in its unique production philosophy and ultimate pursuit of quality. Mr. Ichiro Akuto is deeply inspired by traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques while actively incorporating local Japanese elements and innovative thinking, aiming to create a whisky with a distinct 'Chichibu Terroir'.

Emphasis on Japanese Terroir and Local Elements

The term 'terroir', originating from the wine world, emphasizes the influence of geographical environment, climate, and soil on the final product's flavour. Ichiro Akuto introduced this concept to Chichibu's whisky production, striving to showcase the unique charm of the Chichibu region.

• Experimenting with Local Ingredients - Although the Japanese whisky industry relies heavily on imported barley, Chichibu Distillery actively experiments with locally grown barley. They collaborate with local farmers to cultivate a barley variety called 'Saitama Golden Barley' for use in some production batches. While the yield is limited and cannot meet all their needs, this dedication to local ingredients reflects their respect for terroir.
  
  
• Floor Malting - Chichibu Distillery is one of the very few distilleries in Japan with its own floor malting facility. The traditional floor malting process is complex and time-consuming, requiring manual turning of the germinating barley to control temperature and humidity. Although modern industrial malting is more efficient, floor malting is believed to impart a richer flavour profile to the malt. Chichibu is continuously researching local peat, but at this stage, peated malt is still primarily made with imported peat, with related batches being small-scale trials.
  
  
• Chichibu's Climate and Water Source - As mentioned earlier, the climate of the Chichibu region is conducive to whisky maturation. Additionally, the distillery uses water from the Arakawa River, which flows through Chichibu. Its pure, mineral-rich water provides a solid foundation for crafting high-quality whisky.
  

Ingenious Production Process

In addition to its focus on terroir, Chichibu Distillery's production equipment and processes are full of ingenuity, reflecting a spirit of craftsmanship and excellence at every turn.

• Small Copper Pot Stills - Chichibu Distillery has a pair of small copper pot stills custom-made by the renowned Scottish manufacturer Forsyth's. Smaller stills generally increase the contact between the spirit and the copper, which helps remove impurities and produces a purer, more delicate new make. The shape of the stills and the angle of the lyne arm are meticulously designed to shape Chichibu's characteristic spirit style.
  
  
• Diverse Cask Strategy - The oak cask is the soul of whisky, giving it flavour and colour. Chichibu Distillery understands this well and invests great effort in the selection and management of its casks. Besides the common Bourbon Casks and Sherry Casks, they actively experiment with various other types of casks, such as Wine Casks, Port Pipes, Rum Casks, and even Beer Casks. This diverse cask strategy allows Chichibu whisky to present a myriad of flavour profiles.
  
  
• Use of Mizunara Oak Casks - Mizunara oak is one of the most iconic features of Japanese whisky. The wood is rare and difficult to work with, but the unique oriental aromas it imparts to whisky, such as sandalwood, Kyara incense, and coconut, are unparalleled by other types of oak. Chichibu Distillery actively uses Mizunara casks for maturation, viewing it as an important means of expressing Japanese character.
  
  
• In-house Cooperage - To better control the quality of their casks, Chichibu Distillery even established its own small cooperage. They not only repair old casks but also craft some new ones themselves, including smaller quarter casks, which can accelerate the whisky's maturation process. This extreme attention to detail regarding casks is rare in Japan and even globally.
  
  
• Non-Chill Filtration and Natural Colour - Chichibu whiskies are bottled non-chill filtered and with their natural colour. Non-chill filtering preserves more of the flavourful esters in the spirit, resulting in a fuller and richer mouthfeel. Not adding caramel colouring allows the whisky to present its authentic hue, developed naturally from maturation in oak casks.

It is this dedication to detail and a spirit of constant exploration that have built the unique style of Chichibu whisky, making it stand out among numerous whisky brands.

Chichibu Whisky's Core Series Expressions

Although Chichibu Distillery's history is still short and its spirit reserves are continuously accumulating and maturing, they have already launched a series of highly acclaimed core and regular expressions. These bottlings not only showcase Chichibu's production prowess but also offer whisky lovers an excellent gateway to explore its world of flavours. It's worth noting that due to limited production and high market demand, even some 'regular' expressions may be temporarily out of stock.

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky (commonly known as the 'White Label')

This 'Ichiro's Malt & Grain' is the most widely known and accessible expression in the Chichibu lineup. It is not made 100% from Chichibu's own spirit. Instead, Mr. Ichiro Akuto uses his superb blending skills to meticulously combine his own Chichibu malt whisky with high-quality malt and grain whiskies from around the world (possibly including Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the USA). The goal is to create a daily-sipping whisky that is balanced, easy to drink, and showcases the art of blending.

Style Notes - The 'White Label' typically has a bright golden colour. The nose offers fresh citrus fruits (like lemon and grapefruit), pear, and apple, accompanied by light notes of vanilla, honey sweetness, and a hint of grain. The palate is soft and smooth with a medium body, featuring malt sweetness, oak spices (like pepper and ginger), and subtle floral notes. The finish is clean, with a decent level of complexity and length. Overall, it's a very approachable introductory bottle to Chichibu whisky, perfect for sipping neat or for making a high-quality Highball.

Ichiro's Malt & Grain Limited Edition World Blended Whisky (commonly known as the 'Blue Label')

Compared to the 'White Label', the 'Blue Label' or 'Ichiro's Malt & Grain Limited Edition World Blended Whisky' is a step up. It is also a world blended whisky but typically uses older or more specially cask-matured spirits in its blend, making it rarer and giving it more depth and complexity. Each batch of the 'Blue Label' might have slight variations in flavour, which adds to the fun of tasting it.

Style Notes - The 'Blue Label' may have a slightly deeper colour than the 'White Label'. The aroma is more intense, possibly featuring more mature tropical fruit notes in addition to the usual fruitiness, a more pronounced cask influence (like dark chocolate, toffee, toasted nuts), and a more complex spice profile. The palate is generally fuller and richer, with better extension and depth of flavour. The finish is long and memorable. For drinkers who want to experience a richer blended flavour, the 'Blue Label' is an excellent choice.

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 'The Peated'

This expression is an important showcase of Chichibu Distillery's peated style. Although the peated style of Japanese whisky differs from the powerful style of Scotland's Islay, 'The Peated' clearly expresses its peaty character. Chichibu Distillery uses imported peated malt and has recently been experimenting with local Japanese peat. This bottle often indicates its peat phenol level (ppm), giving drinkers an idea of its peat intensity.

Style Notes - The colour ranges from pale gold to amber. The nose has a distinct smoky aroma, which could be a gentle bonfire smoke, a slightly medicinal note, or a more earthy fragrance, all balanced by Chichibu's characteristic fruitiness (like citrus and green apple) and malt sweetness, creating an interesting contrast. On the palate, the peat flavour intertwines with the spirit's sweetness, possibly with notes of salt, spice, and a hint of caramel. The finish is long, with a lingering smokiness and a touch of sweetness. For those who enjoy peated whisky and want to try a style different from the Scottish norm, this peated Chichibu expression is a must-try.

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 'On The Way'

'On The Way' is a very interesting limited-edition series from Chichibu Distillery, launched in 2013 and released periodically since. As the name suggests, it represents Chichibu whisky as being 'on the way', constantly maturing and evolving. Past releases in this series have blended Chichibu spirits of different ages and cask types, showcasing the best flavour profile the distillery could present at that time. These bottlings document the journey of Chichibu's spirit from young to gradually mature, with each edition being unique and bearing witness to the early growth of Chichibu whisky.

Style Notes - As the recipe changes each year, the style varies considerably. Early 'On The Way' releases might be younger and more vibrant, while later versions, with older stocks available, may exhibit better balance, complexity, and mature flavours. Tasters can perceive the growing influence of the oak casks and the subtle changes in the spirit over time. This series was once one of the best ways to witness the growth of Chichibu whisky.

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 'Port Pipe'

Chichibu Distillery's experimental spirit with various cask types is fully demonstrated in the 'Port Pipe' expression. It typically refers to a single malt whisky that is either fully matured in Port pipes or initially matured in bourbon barrels before being finished in Port pipes. Port casks impart rich red fruit flavours and a sweet profile to the whisky.

Style Notes - The liquid usually has a beautiful ruby or deep amber colour. The nose is full of rich berry notes (like strawberry, raspberry, blackberry), raisins, plums, and other dark fruit sweetness, possibly accompanied by notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of woodiness. The palate is sweet and full-bodied, with intense fruitiness, soft tannins, and a rich texture. The finish is long, with lingering fruit sweetness and the warm spice of oak. This expression is beloved by those who enjoy sweet and luscious whisky styles.

In addition to the expressions introduced above, the 'Ichiro's Malt' brand also includes other well-regarded regular series, such as the 'Mizunara Wood Reserve (MWR)', which focuses on the Mizunara cask flavour profile; the 'Wine Wood Reserve (WWR)', which showcases the influence of wine casks; and the 'Double Distilleries (DD)', which blends the essence of both Hanyu and Chichibu spirits. Furthermore, Chichibu Distillery occasionally releases limited editions for specific markets (such as US, London, or Paris editions) and other experimental bottlings with special cask maturations. These expressions collectively enrich the Chichibu whisky portfolio, bringing more delightful surprises for whisky lovers to explore.

Chichibu Whisky's Limited Editions and Collectible Treasures

Although Chichibu Distillery is young, its limited edition bottlings are highly sought-after items in the global whisky market. Due to their scarcity, exceptional quality, and innovative spirit, Chichibu's limited editions often sell out instantly upon release and fetch astonishing prices on the secondary market. These limited editions are not just fine spirits for drinking but also collectibles with great potential.

Single Cask Releases

A single cask release is a whisky from a single oak cask, unblended, and typically bottled at Cask Strength. Each single cask whisky has a unique flavour profile, best showcasing the character of that specific cask and the subtle differences of a particular batch of spirit. Chichibu Distillery occasionally releases single cask expressions from various cask types, such as bourbon, sherry, Mizunara, and wine casks. These single cask whiskies, often numbered and with detailed cask information, are hunted by seasoned whisky enthusiasts and collectors. Due to their rarity and uniqueness, Chichibu's single cask releases often command high prices at auctions.

Special Commemorative Editions

Chichibu Distillery also releases commemorative editions for special occasions or events. For instance, to celebrate the distillery's anniversary or to participate in major whisky festivals (like the annual 'Chichibu Whisky Matsuri' held locally), special limited bottlings are released. These commemorative whiskies are not only valuable for drinking but are also highly prized by collectors for their special significance. The label designs are often unique and artistic, adding to their collectible value.

For example, the 'Chichibu Whisky Matsuri' limited edition is usually a very unique single cask or a small-batch blend, attracting a large number of whisky fans who make a pilgrimage to the event each year to purchase it. These bottlings are released in extremely small quantities, often only a few hundred bottles, making them incredibly difficult to acquire.

A Discontinued Legend - The Legendary Hanyu Card Series

Although strictly speaking, the Card Series comes from the now-closed Hanyu Distillery, it was this series that established Mr. Ichiro Akuto's reputation in the whisky world and laid a solid foundation for the creation of Chichibu Distillery. These 54 single cask whiskies, each representing a different style from Hanyu's various eras, have now become holy grails in the world of whisky collecting. When discussing the collectible value of Chichibu whisky, the legendary story of the Hanyu Card Series is an indispensable part, symbolizing the inheritance of the Akuto family's brewing history and the beginning of their innovative spirit.

The Collectible Value of Chichibu Whisky

Chichibu whisky's high collectible value can be attributed to several factors-

• Exceptional Quality and Award Recognition - Since its debut, Chichibu whisky has won numerous accolades at major international spirits competitions, including the World Whiskies Awards (WWA). These awards attest to its world-class quality and have boosted the brand's fame and appeal.
  
  
• Scarcity and High Market Demand - As a small, boutique distillery, Chichibu's annual production is very limited. As its reputation has grown, global demand for its products far exceeds supply, creating a situation of scarcity that naturally drives up prices.
  
  
• Innovative Spirit and Uniqueness - Chichibu Distillery is bold in experimenting with different production techniques and cask types, creating diverse and distinctive whiskies. This spirit of exploration makes every bottle of Chichibu an exciting prospect.
  
  
• The Personal Charisma of Ichiro Akuto - As the founder and master distiller, Mr. Ichiro Akuto's passion for whisky, his expertise, and his legendary entrepreneurial story add intangible value to the brand.

Therefore, whether for drinking or investment, Chichibu's limited editions show enormous potential. However, for true whisky lovers, the greatest value may lie in the pleasure of experiencing these rare and exquisite drams firsthand.

Further Reading - The Complete Guide to Japanese Whisky- From Yamazaki and Yoichi to Chichibu and Akkeshi

Chichibu Whisky Matsuri — An Annual Pilgrimage for Enthusiasts

Every February, the quiet city of Chichibu buzzes with excitement for a grand event - the 'Chichibu Whisky Matsuri'. This whisky festival has grown to become one of the most influential whisky events in Japan and even Asia, attracting thousands of whisky lovers from all over the world.

The core of the festival is to provide a platform for direct communication between producers and consumers. The venue not only features a booth from Chichibu Distillery but also hosts emerging distilleries from all over Japan, independent bottlers (IBs), representatives from Scottish distilleries, and related industries (like glassware, cigars, and food). Attendees can purchase tasting tickets and wander among the booths, sampling hundreds of different whiskies, including many rare or newly released expressions.

However, the highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the annually released 'Chichibu Whisky Matsuri Limited Edition' whisky. These bottlings are typically unique single casks personally selected by Mr. Ichiro Akuto from the distillery's precious stocks. The style varies each year, and the release is extremely limited (usually only a few hundred bottles). Acquiring a bottle of the limited edition on-site is considered a stroke of luck and an honor. The festival is not just a tasting event but a cultural phenomenon. It builds a community, promotes whisky knowledge, and tightly links the name of Chichibu with whisky culture, making it an indispensable part of the brand's charm.

The Expansion and Future of Chichibu's Second Distillery

A decade after its founding, facing ever-growing global demand and the limitations of its existing capacity, Mr. Ichiro Akuto made a pivotal decision - to expand. The Chichibu No. 2 Distillery was completed in 2019 and began production in early 2020 using direct-firing distillation, complementing the steam-heating style of the first distillery. This was not just an increase in production but an investment in future quality and a commitment to innovation.

The design of the second distillery is significantly different from the first. It is larger and uses direct-fired stills, in contrast to the indirect steam heating of the first distillery. Direct firing is hotter and harder to control but is widely believed to produce richer, more complex esters, giving the new make a more robust and characterful flavour. This move shows that Mr. Akuto is not content with just replicating his success but hopes to explore more flavour possibilities through different equipment, creating a broader flavour spectrum for future blends.

Furthermore, the second distillery is equipped with larger washbacks and has its own maturation warehouses. This means Chichibu's total production will increase significantly, helping to alleviate the 'hard to find' situation in the market. More importantly, having two different styles of spirit will provide a more diverse foundation for Ichiro Akuto's art of blending. In the future, we can look forward to new regular expressions from Chichibu that combine spirits from both distilleries, promising a new level of complexity and depth. The birth of the second distillery not only ensures the sustainable development of Chichibu whisky but also signals that its future products will be even more exciting.

Chichibu Whisky in Hong Kong

As an internationally renowned market for whisky consumption, Hong Kong's whisky enthusiasts have always had a keen eye for high-quality and unique spirits. With its exceptional quality and esteemed status in the Japanese whisky world, Chichibu Whisky has long secured a place in the Hong Kong market, deeply loved by seasoned drinkers and collectors.

Love and Pursuit in the Hong Kong Market

Although Chichibu's production is limited and most of its products are already in high demand in Japan, Europe, and the US, a portion of the allocation is distributed to the Hong Kong market. In Hong Kong's specialized whisky bars and premium liquor stores, one can occasionally find Chichibu's core series expressions. As for its single cask and limited editions, they are even rarer, often only available through auctions or very few specialized channels.

The Hong Kong whisky community has always been abuzz with discussions about Chichibu. Many local whisky experts and KOLs have shared their tasting notes on Chichibu, further boosting its fame and appeal locally. For Hong Kong consumers seeking unique tasting experiences and collectible whiskies, Chichibu is undoubtedly a highly attractive name.

Presence at Whisky Exhibitions and Events

Chichibu Whisky can sometimes be seen at major whisky exhibitions or tasting events held in Hong Kong. These events provide a rare opportunity for Hong Kong whisky lovers to taste these fine spirits from Chichibu, Japan, and sometimes even interact with distillery representatives. However, due to its scarcity, even at exhibitions, Chichibu's expressions, especially limited editions, are often the center of attention and are quickly tasted to the last drop.

Overall, while Chichibu Whisky may not be easy to obtain in the Hong Kong market, its 'hard to find' status adds to its mystique and appeal, making it a dream bottle for many Hong Kong whisky fans.

Conclusion and Outlook

Since the first drop of new make spirit was produced in 2008, Chichibu Distillery has risen at an astonishing pace in just over a decade to become a shining gem on the global whisky map. Founder Ichiro Akuto, with his immense passion for whisky, his family's brewing heritage, and his bold entrepreneurial spirit, has not only successfully carried on the legacy of Hanyu Distillery but has also created a glorious era for Chichibu Whisky.

The success of Chichibu Distillery lies in its deep understanding and practice of 'terroir', its respect for and adherence to traditional production methods, and its bold innovation in cask management and flavour exploration. From insisting on using some local barley and in-house floor malting to employing small stills, a diverse cask strategy, and even establishing its own cooperage, every step reflects its ultimate pursuit of quality. This spirit of craftsmanship allows Chichibu Whisky to exhibit a unique and distinct character while maintaining the delicate and elegant qualities of Japanese whisky, earning unanimous praise from connoisseurs worldwide.

Looking ahead, as Chichibu Distillery's stocks of maturing spirit continue to age and the capacity of the second distillery (Chichibu No. 2 Distillery, operational since 2019) is gradually released, we can expect even more amazing creations from Chichibu. Although production will increase, it is believed that Mr. Ichiro Akuto and his team will continue to uphold their principle of quality first, continuing to craft spirits full of passion and soul for whisky lovers around the world.

For whisky enthusiasts, whether you are new to Japanese whisky or a seasoned connoisseur, Chichibu is a brand worth exploring in depth. It not only represents the highest standard of a new generation of Japanese whisky but also carries a moving story of dreams, perseverance, and heritage. If you have the chance, be sure to taste a glass of Chichibu whisky and experience the purity and craftsmanship from the Chichibu valley.

To learn more about different styles of whisky, feel free to visit our website! For more information on whisky, you can also refer to Wikipedia for further reading.

A Quick Look at Chichibu Whisky's Main Expressions