Single Malt Whisky, 'Ichiro's Malt - US 2026 Edition'

• US-exclusive, limited edition lightly peated single malt Japanese whisky distilled by Chichibu Distillery in Saitama, Japan
• 2026 vintage
• Distilled from 100% unpeated and peated malted barley
• Fermented 100 hours in mizunara oak washbacks
• Double distilled in Forsyths copper pot stills
• Aged 5–10 years in a combination of first-fill bourbon and ex–red wine casks; non-age statement
• Blended from 16 casks
• A nose of green apple, banana, blackberry, vanilla, honey, and yellow peach with pear, plum, guava, apricot, pineapple candy, and raisin on the palate
• No added coloring
• Non-chill filtered; 52.5% ABV

The 2026 release of Chichibu’s US-exclusive Ichiro’s Malt is composed of thirteen first-fill bourbon barrels—one of which held peated malt—and three California red wine casks from multiple undisclosed wineries, culminating in an exceptionally bright and fruit-forward expression. This year’s label features a backdrop of the historic Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge—a gesture of love and support for the city’s many Chichibu fans during a year of civic challenges. It depicts Buddy Boy and San Chan, dogs belonging to the founders of Chichibu importer High Road Spirits, as they enjoy a dram of Ichiro’s Malt.