Chichibu Distillery is a Japanese whisky distillery located in the town of Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture. The distillery was founded in 2004 by Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of the founder of the Hanyu Distillery.

The Chichibu Distillery is one of the smallest distilleries in Japan, and it produces a small quantity of single malt whisky each year. The distillery is known for its use of traditional methods and its focus on quality.

The water used in the production of Chichibu whiskies comes from the Chichibu River, which is said to have a high mineral content. The distillery also uses peated barley in some of its whiskies, which gives them a smoky flavor.

Chichibu whiskies are highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts, and they have won numerous awards at international whisky competitions.

The New 10 Year Old Distillery #1 expression from Chichibu is an achievement for founder Ichiro Akuto, who founded the distillery in 2004. Since then, a secondary production site has been opened, and the distillery has gone on to win awards around the world, becoming one of Japan's greatest whiskies, despite its small output.

This age statement release is far more complex and elegant than the regular releases from Ichiro's Malt, having been allowed to develop over a decade in a carefully selected variety of casks.

Nose: Aromatically it’s classic Chichibu, but turned up: orchard fruit, citrus, vanilla and polished oak with gentle spice.

Palate:  The palate has greater width than the younger releases – honeyed malt, baked fruit, toffee.

Finish: A long, measured finish where oak, fruit and spice stay in balance. You still feel the liveliness that made the distillery famous, just with more composure.