There was information about the new release of Ichiro’s Malt from Venture whisky Chichibu Distillery.
Suddenly on October 14th, information about the release of a new Ichiro’s Malt product was released on Twitter by a famous liquor store in the Kanto region.
Two of the stores, Sase Sake Store in Chiba Prefecture and Sake-store Ohba in Saitama Prefecture, have announced the release of the new Ichiro’s Malt.
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Classical Edition”.
“The concept of using the world’s five great whiskys, further matured in the Chichibu environment, has been retained, but the new product has a more classical taste” The description of this product indicates that it will probably be sold as a higher grade of “White Label”. It’s not clear if it’s a limited edition or a regular product.
After the release of the Twitter page, Sase Sake-store started pre-selling it on a first-come, first-served basis, although the release date was set for October 23. The number of bottles is unknown, but it sold out immediately.
Sake-store-Oba is now accepting applications for lottery sales. The number of winners is three.
Application period: October 14 (Thu) to October 20 (Wed)
Application requirements: Follow the Sake-store Ohba Twitter account & like & retweet the target tweet.
1. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Classical Edition
Blending a variety of flavors into one is a process that becomes more difficult as the range of characteristics of the raw materials used increases, but it also opens up a world of possibilities.
While maintaining the concept of using the world’s five great whiskys that have been further matured in the Chichibu environment, the new product pursues a more classical taste. The high ratio of malt and the gentle smokiness of the whisky create a pleasant harmony in the multiple layers of aroma.
The gorgeous, weighty flavors are supported by the distinct character of each of the malts. You can enjoy the change in aroma with a long aftertaste in a variety of drinking styles.
In order to make the most of the complex flavors of the individual ingredients, we have bottled this beer in a non-chill filtered, non-colored format. Please take your time to enjoy the delicate aroma and deep flavor created by careful blending.
Reference: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Classical Edition｜Sase Brewery
| Product Name | Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Classical Edition |
|---|---|
| Sake category | Blended |
| Ingredients | Malt, Grain |
| Cask Type | Type |
| Number of bottles sold | Number of bottles |
| Number of Degrees | 48 |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Price | 7,700 yen (tax included) |
| Manufacturer | Venture whisky Chichibu Distillery |
2.Other Ichiro’s Malt & Grain
The following is a list of currently available products and limited edition products from the past.
2-1. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended whisky White Label
Commonly known as “White Label”. This is the only regular whisky that can be called a “white label” whisky. It has a strong presence whether it is served in a highball or straight, and at 3,850 yen (including tax), it is very cosy.
2-2. Ichirose Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky Limited Edition
“This Limited Edition is a higher grade version of the White Label. The mild sourness of the ripe plums and the sweetness that surrounds it is like light cotton candy, and it lasts forever in the mouth with the pleasant barrel aroma of the aged grain. Although it is distributed regularly, the production volume is small and difficult to obtain.
2-3. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 505 World Blended
It was released as a “bottle exclusively for restaurants” aimed at supporting restaurants such as BARS and izakayas that are struggling due to the new coronavirus. It is a special blend that increases the usage ratio of Ichiro’s Malt unshuishu with high alcohol content. Because the utilization rate of malt unshu is higher than white label, the aroma and taste of the unorided sake can be felt more strongly. Sold out in March 2021.
2-4. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Japanese Blended Whisky Limited Edition 2021
Limited edition of 500 bottles, priced at 198,000 yen including tax. This is a well-balanced blend of malt from the Chichibu and Hanyu distilleries and grain from the Kawasaki distillery, which used to exist. It has a refreshing sourness that blends in with the weighty sweetness of brown sugar, and a barrel aroma that carries the memory of the maturation room, and lingers comfortably in the mouth forever.
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
