Chichibu Ichiro's Single Malt On The Way 2024 Edition Japanese Whiskey

The Ichiro's Malt On The Way 2024 Edition is the fourth, highly anticipated installment in a series that originally showcased the Chichibu Distillery's maturation progress. This limited release is a monumental achievement for founder Ichiro Akuto, highlighting the distillery's commitment to traditional, laborious craftsmanship.

This expression is exceptionally rare because it is a vatted single malt composed entirely of whiskies distilled from 100% floor-malted barley. This manual, time-consuming process is rarely used today, and it imparts a distinctive, rustic, and hearty flavor to the malt. The blend is crafted from casks aged 9 to 15 years (with an average of approximately 11), including a complex mix of ex-bourbon, ex-wine, and Chibidaru (small Chichibu casks).

Bottled at a robust proof (around 54.5% ABV), this whisky is naturally colored and non-chill-filtered, maintaining a velvety mouthfeel and ensuring the complete, pure expression of the rare malt and wood interaction. This bottle is a pivotal statement on Japanese whisky excellence and is a crucial acquisition for any serious collector.

Nose: Delicate and bright, featuring candied white peach, nectarine, and pear, supported by creamy malt biscuits, honey, and a hint of fresh mint.

Palate: Medium-bodied and creamy, with a delightful malty sweetness. Flavors of vanilla custard, apricot jam, and lemon drops evolve into refined notes of sandalwood and white pepper spice.

Finish: A long, poised conclusion that is both fruity and savory, leaving traces of milk chocolate, elegant oak tannins, and a gentle acidity.

The bright fruit and complex malty character of this whisky pair beautifully with delicate desserts and light appetizers. Its profile is a crucial complement to an almond tart or a simple crème brûlée. For a savory treat, enjoy it with high-quality, un-smoked charcuterie, or a slice of aged Gruyère cheese to match the nutty sweetness.