Ichiros Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky Limited Edition 2018​ Japan 48%

Ichiro Akuto once saved 400 casks from his family's closed distillery by selling them individually as playing cards - today those same cards have become one of Japan's most sought-after whisky universes.

Expert Description

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky Limited Edition 2018 is a World Blended Whisky from Chichibu Distillery, bottled at 48%.

Behind the bottle is Ichiro Akuto, who founded Chichibu Distillery in 2004 after saving the last casks from his family's former Hanyu Distillery. The Malt & Grain series combines Japanese malt and grain whisky with selected whiskies from several countries, and each vintage is a unique, non-repeatable composition.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Honey and tropical fruit meet a light smoky core and a touch of spiced oak.

Palate

Full-bodied and complex with caramel, ripe apples and a fine, tangy edge.

Finish

Long and warm, with a last note of dried fruit and smoke.

Specifications

Name: Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky Limited Edition 2018
Distillery: Chichibu
Region/Country: Saitama, Japan
Type: World Blended Whisky
Edition: Limited Edition 2018
ABV: 48%
Size: 70 CL

Flavour Profile

Complex · Full-bodied · Smoky · Sweet

Investment Potential

Medium. Each vintage of Malt & Grain is a one-off composition never repeated, making earlier releases like this one increasingly hard to find.

Did You Know?

When Ichiro Akuto's family distillery Hanyu closed in 2000, he saved the last 400 casks and released them as a series of whiskies named after the 54 cards of a playing deck - a move now regarded as one of modern whisky history's most iconic rescue stories.

See our full range of Chichibu

Frequently Asked Questions about Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended 2018

What is a "World Blended Whisky"?

It's a whisky blending malt and grain whisky from several different countries, unlike an ordinary blend, which typically uses whisky from just one country.

Who is Ichiro Akuto?

The founder of Chichibu Distillery, who in 2000 saved the last casks from his family's closed Hanyu Distillery and has since built one of Japan's most celebrated whisky brands.

Why does each Malt & Grain vintage differ?

The composition changes each year depending on which whiskies are available, making every release a unique, non-repeatable bottle.

Is Ichiro's Malt & Grain 2018 worth it?

Yes, as a discontinued vintage from one of Japan's most sought-after whisky brands, it carries both flavour depth and collector value.

What makes Chichibu Distillery stand out?

Chichibu is known for its hands-on, craft approach, use of locally grown barley and experimental small-batch cask maturation.

What glass suits this whisky best?

A tulip-shaped nosing glass brings out the complexity and smoky undertones best.