Chichibu Whisky Debuts Four Releases with Dual Distillery Blend

Debuting at The Whisky Show London 2026: Dual-Distillery Blend, Sherry, and Heavy Peated Editions

Japanese single malt whisky distillery Chichibu has announced four brand-new expressions, set to debut at The Whisky Show 2026 held at Old Billingsgate in London from October 2 to 4, before being distributed across select UK specialist retailers by Speciality Brands starting in October.

First Blend of Two Distilleries: Double Distilleries and Distillery II Release

The highlight of the lineup is Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Double Distilleries (46.5% ABV), marking the first time single malts from Chichibu I and Chichibu II (opened in 2019) have been married together. This release balances the signature bright, elegant orchard fruit profile of Chichibu I with the heavier, richer spirit of the second distillery. On the palate, it opens with apricot, white peach, and subtle jasmine florals, leading to rich vanilla and honey, with a finish of baking spices and citrus peel.

Another spotlight is Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Distillery II Hint of Sherry (53.5% ABV), the second standalone release from the new facility. Aged 5 to 6 years in sherry and ex-bourbon casks with a touch of peated malt in the mash bill, it showcases notes of gentle peat smoke, dark chocolate, raisins, candied citrus, vanilla, and Lapsang Souchong sweet smoke.

Long-Awaited Peated Release and London Warrior Series Finale

For peat lovers, Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu The Peated 2026 (50.5% ABV) is the distillery's first standalone peated bottling since 2022. Distilled using 50 PPM peated barley during Chichibu’s annual month-long peated run, it is primarily matured in ex-bourbon barrels with Oloroso sherry and rebuilt hogsheads, offering toasted spices, caramel, roasted almonds, banana, baked apple, and herbal bonfire smoke.

Exclusive to the UK, Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu The London Edition 2026 (50.5% ABV) represents the 9th edition in the series, marrying 16 casks from Chichibu I, including two wine casks from New Zealand and California alongside first-fill and refill bourbon barrels. It delivers vanilla, honey, clotted cream, grapefruit zest, and apricot. The label marks the third and final installment of the "Warrior Series" designed with a glow-in-the-dark finish by Elixir Distillers Creative Director Raj Chavda, inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e warrior prints depicting a warrior facing a giant serpent, symbolizing protection, wisdom, metamorphosis, and the struggle between light and shadow.

📅 Release Date: 2026-09-15

🔗 Source: The Whisky Wire