Chichibu Japanese Whisky

Chichibu is one of Japan’s most influential new-generation distilleries, renowned for producing high-quality single malt whiskies in small batches with exceptional attention to detail. Founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto, Chichibu represents both a revival of family whisky heritage and a pioneering force in the Japanese craft whisky movement.

Ichiro Akuto comes from a lineage deeply rooted in Japanese spirits production. His grandfather established the Hanyu Distillery in the 1940s, which was later forced to close during Japan’s whisky downturn in the early 2000s. Ichiro famously rescued the remaining Hanyu casks, releasing them as the collectible “Ichiro’s Malt Card Series,” before turning his focus to creating a new distillery from the ground up in the town of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, about 100 km northwest of Tokyo.

From the outset, Chichibu’s philosophy has been one of craft-scale production and meticulous cask management. The distillery operates two small copper pot stills made by Forsyths of Scotland, allowing for hands-on control during distillation. Fermentation is unusually long, often over 90 hours, using both brewer’s and distiller’s yeasts to encourage a complex ester profile in the wash.

Chichibu’s climate plays a significant role in shaping its whisky. With hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, maturation is accelerated compared to Scotland, yielding a depth of flavour in relatively young whiskies. The on-site warehouse holds a diverse range of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, port pipes, wine casks, mizunara oak, and even experimental casks such as chibidaru (quarter casks).

Flavour-wise, Chichibu whiskies are known for their vibrancy, depth, and balance. Common notes include honey, orchard fruit, malt sweetness, citrus, and gentle spice, with older or cask-finished versions showing richer layers of chocolate, dried fruit, or aromatic wood. The distillery’s peated expressions bring clean, maritime-influenced smoke that integrates beautifully with the spirit’s natural fruitiness.

Chichibu’s small production scale means supply is extremely limited, and bottles are in high demand worldwide. The distillery has expanded with a second site, Chichibu No. 2, opened in 2019 to help meet growing interest while retaining the craft ethos.

Collectors prize Chichibu for its combination of Japanese precision, experimental cask use, and the personal touch of Ichiro Akuto, who remains directly involved in cask selection and blending. As one of the few Japanese distilleries to own its full production process, from milling and mashing to maturation and bottling, Chichibu offers a transparent, traceable whisky experience.

Our Chichibu selection features both core releases and rare, limited-edition bottlings, each offering a glimpse into the distillery’s evolving artistry. Whether you’re a Japanese whisky devotee or a newcomer seeking one of the world’s most exciting craft distilleries, Chichibu delivers a remarkable marriage of tradition, innovation, and terroir-driven character.