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Spicy
Fruity
Experience the very first Scotch Malt Whisky Society out-turn from Japan’s rising star with Chichibu 4 Year Old – 2009 Vintage, SMWS 130.1 (bottled 2013). Distilled by Ichiro Akuto just a year after the distillery’s stills were fired up and filled into a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, this small-batch malt spent a brisk four years soaking up vanilla cream, toasted coconut and bright citrus before the Society captured it at natural cask strength. Non-chill-filtered and natural in colour, only 227 individually numbered bottles showcase Chichibu’s orchard-fruit vibrancy super-charged with fresh American-oak sweetness—the inaugural SMWS release from cask code 130.
Why We Think You’ll Love It

  • First-fill bourbon barrel amplifies vanilla, coconut and vibrant citrus against Chichibu’s young, fruity spirit.

  • 4 years capture the distillery’s energetic style while surprising with depth and texture from fresh oak.

  • Bottled at natural cask strength, non-chill-filtered and natural colour—undiluted aroma, flavour and brightness.

  • The inaugural SMWS cask from Chichibu (code 130.1)—strictly 227 bottles, a milestone for collectors of Japanese whisky and SMWS fans alike.

  • Shows how deft cask selection and Ichiro Akuto’s craft can create silky sweetness, oak spice and zesty freshness in remarkable harmony at a youthful age.

Pour a dram of this trail-blazing Chichibu and enjoy a vibrant blend of vanilla cream, tropical sweetness and crisp citrus—an unforgettable whisky that announces Japan’s new generation with every spirited sip.

Bottle Information

Bottler: Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Cask Type: first fill bourbon barrel
Cask #: #130.1
ABV: 61.90%
Type: Japanese Single Malt
Region: Japanese
Age: 4 Year Old
Vintage: 2009
Volume: 70cl

Tasting Notes

Nose Bursts of vanilla fudge, coconut macaroon and lemon sherbet drift over honeyed cereal, new-sawn pine and a hint of white-pepper spice. Palate Lively and silky—waves of toffee apple, green banana and sweet malt glide across the tongue, chased by cinnamon bark, almond nougat and a bright flash of candied grapefruit peel. Finish Medium-long, warming and gently drying—lingering sweet oak spice, vanilla sponge and a final flourish of citrus zest.
Chichibu
Cask #130.1

Chichibu 4 Year Old 2009 SMWS 130.1 (2013)

£1,500.00 GBP
£1,500.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
£1,250.00 GBP ex VAT

UK Delivery within 2-3 working days. Or get it next business day* if you order in the next: (*excl. Highlands & Islands)
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