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Chichibu
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Chichibu, Newborn (heavily peated) Cask #452 (Japan)
(Distilled and bottled 2009). Matured in a new American oak hogshead, this variant boasts sweet peat, plasticine and fish oil on the nose. Surely an infant Islay? The palate offers butter and pears, becoming steadily smokier, with background dark fruit. Kippery in the finish. Notably drier with water, and the plasticine note from the nose returns.
61.4% ABV, 70cl, £65.00, specialist whisky merchants.  |  |
Chichibu, Newborn Cask #127, 2008 (Japan)
Chichibu distillery is the newest in Japan, with production commencing in the spring of last year. The distillery is small in scale and traditional in design, with five wooden washbacks and a pair of pot stills fabricated by the renowned Speyside firm of Forsyth’s. Chichibu has been created by Ichiro Akuto, whose grandfather established the now closed Hanyu distillery. He is also responsible for releasing single cask bottlings of Japanese malt whisky under the Malt Card Series. (See below for latest expressions).
Chichibu is following in the footsteps of the Islay distillery of Kilchoman, and most recently Tullibardine, by releasing very young spirit, which is not legally whisky. In the case of the Japanese distillery, however, it has been matured for a very brief period, while Kilchoman and Tullibardine both offer ‘new make,’ straight off the still.
Our sample of Chichibu Newborn had spent a short time in an ex-Bourbon cask, and was already showing some pale straw colouring as a result. Crisp and clean on the nose, with fresh fruits and mild spice. More floral with water, plus a hint of milk chocolate. Full-bodied and very spicy on the palate, with distinct notes of melon. Lengthy in the finish, with a tang of ginger.
62.5% ABV, 70cl, £55.00, specialist whisky merchants. |  |
Chichibu, Newborn Double Matured (unpeated) Cask #446 (Japan)
(Distilled 2008, bottled 2009). Initially matured in a Bourbon barrel, then finished in a new American oak hogshead, this expression of Chichibu offers a highly distinctive nose of soy sauce and incense sticks. More overtly spicy with water. Sweet and plummy in the mouth, with mixed spices and gingery oak developing. The finish is medium in length, with lively, fruity spices.
61.3% ABV, 70cl, £65.00, specialist whisky merchants. |  |
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