Chichibu Distillery: The Future of Japanese Whisky, Rooted in Craft
While Japan’s whisky legacy is anchored by historic names like Suntory and Nikka, a new generation of distillers has emerged—innovative, precise, and deeply respectful of tradition. At the forefront of this movement is Chichibu Distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto, whose meticulous approach has captivated whisky enthusiasts around the world. At Sushi Ii, we are proud to offer one of Chichibu’s most acclaimed creations: the Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blend, a whisky that beautifully bridges Japan’s craftsmanship with a global perspective.
The Story of Chichibu Distillery
Chichibu was established in 2008 in Saitama Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, making it one of Japan’s youngest but most influential distilleries. Its founder, Ichiro Akuto, comes from a family with deep roots in sake and whisky production—his grandfather founded the now-legendary Hanyu Distillery. After rescuing hundreds of barrels of rare whisky from Hanyu’s closure, Ichiro went on to create his own distillery, dedicated to small-batch, hands-on whisky making.
The Chichibu Distillery quickly became known for its attention to detail, using traditional methods such as wooden washbacks, direct-fired stills, and meticulous cask selection. Though relatively new, Chichibu has already earned a reputation for producing whiskies that rival and sometimes surpass those of more established houses, thanks to its balance of innovation and reverence for tradition.
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blend
On the Sushi Ii menu, guests will find the Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blend, a whisky that perfectly embodies Chichibu’s ethos. This expression is a blend of Chichibu’s own malt whiskies with carefully selected malt and grain whiskies from around the world, including Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Canada—all aged and blended at Chichibu under Ichiro’s expert supervision.
The result is a harmonious and complex whisky, showcasing bright aromas of citrus, orchard fruits, and vanilla, layered with gentle spice, toasted oak, and a touch of honey. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, rounded texture with balanced sweetness and a clean finish, making it both approachable for newcomers and deeply rewarding for connoisseurs.
Its versatility makes it an ideal pairing with sushi—particularly white fish, shellfish, or lightly seared preparations, where its subtle structure complements delicate flavors without overpowering them. Served neat or over a single piece of hand-cut ice, it allows its layered aromas and textures to unfold gradually.
Crafting the Future of Japanese Whisky
Chichibu is often described as the future of Japanese whisky—not because it abandons tradition, but because it reinterprets it for a new era. With small-scale production, meticulous blending, and a global perspective, Ichiro Akuto has positioned Chichibu as a distillery that honors its roots while expanding the possibilities of Japanese whisky.
The Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blend reflects this vision beautifully. It’s a whisky that doesn’t just represent a single place, but rather the artistry of bringing the world together through craftsmanship and precision.
Chichibu Distillery has quickly become a revered name among whisky enthusiasts, and its Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blend is a shining example of why. At Sushi ii, we’re proud to offer this exceptional expression, allowing our guests to experience the balance of tradition, innovation, and global collaboration that defines modern Japanese whisky.