Chichibu : 8 Year Old Single Cask #7492 Bourbon Barrel 1st Fill Itinéraires Collection 2017

Characteristics and tasting advice for Chichibu 8-Year-Old Single Cask #7492 Bourbon Barrel 1st Fill Itinéraires Collection 2017

Tasting

Nose
The aromatic profile reveals a fresh and deep expression. On opening, a malty, lemony sequence is accompanied by dominant fresh fruits: apple, pear, and grape. Subtle almond aromas mingle with notes of linden honey and wax, while fresh vanilla and toasted oak harmoniously complete this aromatic bouquet.

Palate
The attack unfolds on a very clean vanilla- and malt-driven structure. Tropical fruits form the core of the flavor profile with notes of pineapple, banana, and yellow kiwi. Noble spices emerge through hints of ginger and nutmeg, bringing a spicy dimension to this rich and vibrant whole.

Food pairings and tasting moments

This whisky deserves to be enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. Given its high alcohol content of 64.3%, adding a few drops of water can help release more aromas and soften the intensity on the palate.

An exceptional Japanese whisky from the Chichibu distillery

Chichibu, an artisanal distillery in Saitama

Founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto, who still leads it today, Chichibu embodies the excellence of artisanal Japanese whisky. Located in Saitama Prefecture on the island of Honshū, the distillery operates at small capacity with custom-made Forsyth pot stills and practices floor malting. It sources local barley in particular, in a bid to reinforce the Japanese identity of its single malts. Chichibu has established itself as a reference for unpeated whisky, renowned for its aromatic finesse, fruity freshness, and spicy complexity.

A cask-strength limited edition from the Itinéraires collection

Chichibu 8-Year-Old Single Cask #7492 Bourbon Barrel 1st Fill Itinéraires Collection 2017 is an exceptional edition, limited to just 171 bottles. Distilled in 2017, this single malt matured for 8 years in a single first-fill bourbon cask, embodying the innovative and artisanal spirit of the distillery.

Its production follows a rigorous process, with distillation in small Forsyths pot stills custom-made in Scotland. Bottled at cask strength at 64.3% ABV, without chill filtration or added coloring, it preserves the spirit’s original integrity and full aromatic power.

This expression is part of the "In the Wake of Silence" collection, illustrating the excellence of contemporary Japanese craftsmanship. The choice of a first-fill bourbon cask imparts characteristic notes of vanilla, tropical fruits, and gentle spices, while respecting the freshness and finesse typical of the Chichibu style.