Chichibu distillery

Introduction to Chichibu

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Chichibu is a Japanese craft whisky distillery that represents the perfect marriage of traditional whisky-making techniques and innovative Japanese precision. Located in the mountainous Saitama Prefecture about 100 km northwest of Tokyo, this boutique distillery has quickly risen to become one of the most respected names in the global whisky community.

Despite its relatively young age, Chichibu produces whiskies of exceptional character that showcase both Japanese terroir and a deep understanding of whisky craftsmanship.

Why we have a soft spot for Chichibu

At Vault of Spirits, we admire distilleries that push boundaries while respecting tradition – and Chichibu exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. What sets Chichibu apart is their meticulous attention to detail, from locally-sourced barley to custom-made mizunara oak casks that impart distinctly Japanese characteristics to their whisky.

Their small-batch production ensures quality over quantity, resulting in expressions that are consistently exceptional and highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

The history behind Chichibu

Origin and development

Chichibu Distillery was founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto, a third-generation distiller whose family has deep roots in the Japanese spirits industry. Ichiro’s grandfather established the now-legendary Hanyu distillery in 1941, which unfortunately closed in 2000 during challenging times for Japanese whisky.

After Hanyu’s closure, Ichiro saved the remaining casks and established himself as an independent bottler with the famous “Card Series.” The success of these releases enabled him to build Chichibu, reviving and reimagining the family legacy for a new era of Japanese whisky.

The people behind

The distillery is led by Ichiro Akuto, a visionary who combines his family’s whisky-making heritage with modern techniques learned during visits to distilleries across Scotland and beyond. His team is small but exceptionally dedicated, with each member sharing his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Together, they oversee every aspect of production, from milling to bottling, ensuring that each release meets their exacting standards. Their ability to create world-class whisky in such a small facility is a testament to their skill and passion.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Chichibu begins with carefully selected barley – sometimes locally grown in Japan, other times imported from the finest global sources. Their on-site floor maltings (one of very few in Japan) allows them to malt a portion of their barley in the traditional way.

Distillation takes place in two small copper pot stills made by Forsyths of Scotland, but with modifications to suit Ichiro’s specific vision. These smaller stills create a more robust spirit with plenty of character, perfectly suited to the relatively short but intense maturation process.

Maturation and aging

Chichibu’s warehouse conditions are uniquely Japanese, with hot, humid summers and cold winters creating an accelerated maturation environment. This dramatic seasonal temperature fluctuation means their whiskies develop complexity more quickly than their Scottish counterparts.

The distillery uses a variety of cask types, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, wine casks, and their signature Japanese mizunara oak. Many releases are single cask bottlings, offering collectors and enthusiasts a truly one-of-a-kind experience with each bottle.

Selected products from Chichibu

Chichibu The First – A glimpse of the distillery’s potential

Released in 2011 as the distillery’s inaugural bottling, this whisky demonstrated what was possible from such a young operation. With notes of tropical fruit, light spice, and vanilla, it offered a tantalizing preview of Chichibu’s house style and set the stage for what was to come.

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain – A world blended whisky

This expression showcases Ichiro’s blending skills, combining Chichibu malt with carefully selected whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. The result is a harmonious, complex whisky with a distinctly Japanese soul – balancing fruit, spice, and subtle oak influence in perfect harmony.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Chichibu Distillery offers limited tours by appointment only, providing a rare opportunity to witness this craft operation up close. Visitors can observe every step of the production process and gain insight into what makes Japanese craft whisky so special.

The tasting experience typically includes several expressions that showcase the diversity of Chichibu’s portfolio, from young, vibrant releases to more mature, complex offerings.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chichibu?

Chichibu is a Japanese craft whisky distillery founded by Ichiro Akuto that produces small-batch single malt whisky with a focus on quality, innovation, and Japanese craftsmanship. Their approach combines traditional Scottish methods with Japanese precision and attention to detail, resulting in whiskies that have garnered international acclaim.

Where is Chichibu located?

The distillery is located in the city of Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, about 100 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, Japan. This mountainous region offers pure water, significant temperature variations, and an ideal environment for whisky maturation.

What characterizes Chichibu whisky?

Chichibu whiskies are known for their complexity despite their relatively young age, their use of mizunara Japanese oak for maturation, and their bold, fruit-forward character. Each release tends to showcase meticulous attention to detail, experimental cask finishing, and balance between tradition and innovation.

Where can I buy whisky from Chichibu?

You can find selected bottles from Chichibu at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both core releases and limited-edition bottlings from this acclaimed distillery. Due to their limited production and high demand, Chichibu whiskies are often collectors’ items that appreciate in value over time.