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    Chichibu distillery
    All Distilleries
    Japan

    Chichibu

    Chichibu, Saitama, Japan Est. 2008 Venture Whisky (Ichiro Akuto)

    Region

    Japan

    Founded

    2008

    Products

    —

    Avg. Price

    —

    Heritage

    18+ years of heritage

    Owner

    Venture Whisky (Ichiro Akuto)

    ABV Range

    —

    Awards

    3 recognised

    Signature Profile

    Flavour Profile

    Smoky22%
    Fruity68%
    Floral72%
    Spicy45%
    Sweet62%
    Peaty12%

    Profile based on regional characteristics and distillery style. Individual expressions may vary.

    From Source to Spirit

    Production Process

    🌾Step 1

    Malting

    5–7 days

    Barley is soaked in water, allowed to germinate, then dried in a kiln. Peat may be used for smoky character.

    💧Step 2

    Mashing

    6–8 hours

    The malted barley is ground into grist and mixed with hot water in a mash tun to extract fermentable sugars.

    🧪Step 3

    Fermentation

    48–120 hours

    The sugary wort is transferred to washbacks (wooden or steel) where yeast converts sugars to alcohol.

    🔥Step 4

    Distillation

    6–8 hours × 2

    The wash is distilled twice (or thrice) in copper pot stills. The still shape profoundly influences the spirit's character.

    🪵Step 5

    Maturation

    3–50+ years

    New make spirit enters oak casks — ex-bourbon, sherry, wine or virgin oak — and matures in the warehouse.

    🍾Step 6

    Bottling

    Final stage

    After reaching optimal maturity, the whisky is vatted or bottled as single cask, diluted to strength and packaged.

    The Story of Chichibu

    A tiny craft distillery founded by Ichiro Akuto, whose limited releases have become some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. Known for experimental cask types and floor malting.

    Recognition & Excellence

    Awards & Achievements

    Bronze2021

    Chichibu Flagship Expression

    World Whiskies Awards

    Silver2024

    Chichibu Reserve

    International Spirits Challenge

    Double Gold2023

    Chichibu Special Edition

    San Francisco World Spirits

    For Distilleries & Producers

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    About Chichibu Distillery

    Chichibu is located in Chichibu, Saitama, Japan, established in 2008. Currently owned by Venture Whisky (Ichiro Akuto), the distillery is known for producing exceptional spirits that reflect its unique terroir and heritage.

    At The Royal Barrel, we are proud to feature Chichibu in our curated directory of the world's finest distilleries. Each distillery in our collection is selected for its commitment to quality, its contribution to the spirits industry, and its unique story of craft and tradition.

    Browse our full collection of products from Chichibu or explore other distilleries from the Japan region in our distillery directory. For expert guidance on choosing the perfect spirit, visit our expert guides.