CHICHIBU - 7 years old - 2017 - Single Cask #14329 - Cider Cask - Itinéraires - 61.40%
Chichibu 7 Year Old 2017 Single Cask #14329 – Cider Cask, bottled at 61.40%, is a rare and unique edition from the Chichibu distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto, a key figure in contemporary Japanese whisky. Located in the mountains of Saitama, the distillery stands out for its artisanal approach, its rigorously selected casks and its attention to detail, combining Scottish tradition and Japanese sensibility.
This single cask, chosen for the Itinéraires collection, has been aged entirely in a cask that previously held cider, a unique finish in the Chichibu universe. This type of maturation gives the whisky a unique personality, blending the energy of the malt with the tangy freshness of the fruit. Aged for seven years in the contrasting climate of Chichibu, this unchill-filtered cask strength reveals all the precision and vitality of the house style.
The nose opens with a lively and refined structure: baked apple, fresh pear, citrus zest and honey, enhanced by a floral and slightly vinous touch. On the palate, the controlled power of the alcohol content supports a texture that is both ample and crystalline. Flavors of tarte tatin, vanilla, malted cereals and white-fleshed fruits intertwine with a delicate acidity that brings tension and brightness. The finish, long and elegant, stretches on notes of dried apple, light oak and delicately salted caramel.
A Chichibu of fascinating originality, at the crossroads of indulgence and precision, to be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to reveal its fruity complexity.