Whisky Chichibu "The Peated 2015"

Distillery Bottling Distilled: 2011 Bottled: 2015 Aging: 4 years old Bottles : 5980 Cask : ex-bourbon and chibidaru (combination of bourbon hoghsheads and Mizunara wood) ABV: 62,5% Volume: 700 ml Bottling info: Chichibu is a rising star in the realm of Japanese whisky. As it continues to garner numerous accolades, both investors and enthusiasts are beginning to recognize the inherent worth of Chichibu. This growing recognition is hardly unexpected, especially considering the visionary behind the distillery—Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of the now-defunct Hanyu distillery. This particular bottle signifies a limited edition release, with only 5,980 bottles available globally. Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2015, it exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of Chichibu. What distinguishes this release is its incorporation of heavily peated malt, resulting in a whisky that captivates the senses with its robust and smoky profile. The 2011 vintage of Chichibu's acclaimed peated whisky has undergone an additional year of maturation, allowing for a deeper development of flavors. Bottled at an impressive cask strength of 62.5%, this expression is the most potent to date, offering an intense and powerful sensory experience. Upon opening the bottle, a rich and inviting aroma envelops the air, featuring prominent notes of peat smoke intertwined with subtle hints of oak and spice. With each sip, the whisky reveals its complexity on the palate, showcasing a harmonious blend of flavors. The bold smokiness of the peat takes precedence, complemented by underlying layers of sweetness, earthiness, and a touch of fruitiness. The elevated cask strength enhances the experience, amplifying the whisky's bold and distinctive character. Tasting note: Nose: The aroma reveals notes of ash, coal fire, earthy peat, and lemon-infused peat, complemented by hints of Werther’s Originals, vinegar, butter menthols, fermented pears, brine, sawdust, and pork crackling. Palate: The first impression is the remarkable smoothness of this whisky, especially given its young age of three years and a robust 62.5% ABV. It is nothing short of phenomenal. The palate is enveloped by rich flavors of licorice, sweet and earthy peat, coal, pipe tobacco, leather, lemon meringue, fermented pears, pink grapefruit, butter menthols, lapsang souchong, chewy malt, pork crackling, and dark chocolate. Finish: The finish is beautifully balanced, lingering without being overly sweet, dry, or bitter. A touch of coffee with cream can enhance the peat, licorice, dark chocolate, tobacco, and coal notes.