Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Cask 13482 For Salud Distribution 59.8% NV

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Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Cask 13482 is a true masterpiece crafted by the renowned Ichiro Akuto, showcasing his expertise in the mysterious world of Chichibu whisky. This limited edition, aptly named 'Spirits of Salud,' is a testament to Ichiro's commitment to perfection and innovation in the realm of Japanese whisky.

The unique concept behind this release involves a 3.5-year maturation in prestigious Château Gruaund Larose red wine casks, infusing distinct flavors and characteristics into the single cask blended whisky. Only after this meticulous aging process does it earn the official designation of Chichibu whisky.

Ichiro Akuto, as the owner and master blender of Chichibu, truly shines in the art of blending single cask vats. The Spirits of Salud brand, an exclusive label of Salud Distribution, aims to reach the new generation of connoisseurs while upholding a commitment to quality and exclusivity.

Ichiro's pursuit of perfection spans across borders, sourcing carefully selected whisky from Scotland, Ireland, the US, and Canada. This imported whisky is blended with Chichibu malt & grain and malt & grain limited under Ichiro's expert guidance. The base blend always includes Chichibu whisky, which undergoes maturation in various casks in Chichibu's ideal climatic conditions—extreme cold winters and warm summers.

The complexity and time-intensive nature of the blending process set this concept apart from the 'single malt single cask' approach. Ichiro's dedication to quality, the selection of the right casks from different countries, and the precise timing of achieving the desired whisky quality contribute to the numerous accolades he has received. Notable awards include Best Blend Whisky at the World Whisky Awards in 2018 and 2019, as well as the title of Masterblender of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2019.

The label design, a collaboration between Ichiro and Salud, blends traditional Japanese standards with modern technology. Utilizing AI technology in the design studios of WARBB, known for their work on Chichibu 7even Gods of Fortune, the label reflects the ever-changing seasons with colorful nature, clouds, and mountains. It also features an angel reading the pages of life, resonating with the world of Chichibu whisky.

Ichiro's words echo the pride in their achievements: "With various awards won, we have built a reputation for creating very high-quality whisky in Chichibu, and we have proven our ability to master the blending of whisky to perfection. These are two achievements I am very proud of."

The Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Cask 13482, bottled for Salud Distribution in 2023, is a tribute not only to the art of blending but also to the craftsmanship and pride of Chichibu. With only 272 bottles available worldwide, this release is a rare gem with an alcohol content of 59.8%, aged in Château Gruaund Larose cask number #13482, and presented in a 70cl bottle with an elegant gift box. Released in December 2023, the recommended selling price is €1,200.

Tasting notes describe an inviting mix of almond cream, fudge, rich chocolate, candied violets, and dried pear on the nose. The slightly sweet palate lives up to expectations, with malt and chocolate qualities dominating. Hints of red pepper and pure chocolate lead to a dry finish, leaving lingering notes of allspice and a touch of cinnamon after the creamy chocolate disappears.

The selection process involved expert panels in both the Netherlands and Austria, blind-tasting samples in "The Birdyard," Vienna. Unanimously chosen by both panels, including experts such as Roland Graf, Bernhard Rems, Erhard Ruthner, Jürgen Schmücking, Noortje Baselmans, Ronald Zwartepoorte, and Marcel van de Ben, sample #13482 stands out as a remarkable expression of Chichibu's excellence in whisky craftsmanship.