Chichibu, the Japanese whisky distillery, has unveiled the seventh annual release of its London Edition for 2024.

Created exclusively for the UK market, this whisky opens with notes of creamy vanilla and rich honey, accompanied by hints of white peach and a delicate smokiness. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with flavours of white pepper and cream, leading to a bright finish with fresh minerality and a touch of resinous pine.

The blend of approximately ten casks is predominantly matured in ex-bourbon barrels, which impart a gentle sweetness and fruitiness, with an additional red wine cask to add structure and balance. This maturation process results in a whisky that is complex, harmonious and elegant.

First launched at The Whisky Show in 2018, this most recent edition offers a unique character distinct from previous years. It is also the first edition of the series since Chichibu announced its partnership with UK distributor Speciality Brands.

This limited-edition bottle features a striking label designed by Raj Chavda, Creative Director of Elixir Distillers, which includes a glow-in-the-dark element.

“For the latest Chichibu London Edition, I took inspiration from Musha-e: The Warriors of Ukiyo-e,” explains Chavda. “This genre captures fact and fiction, truth and fable. In this version we have the noble warrior battling a dragon, Japan’s most legendary warrior and most iconic mythical beast – a symbol of courage and strength. The glow in the dark element was something I have been experimenting with and is a first for the brand, combining Japanese design tradition with modern techniques.”

Located 100km from Tokyo in Saitama prefecture, Chichibu Distillery was established by Ichiro Akuto, whose family has a long history of alcohol production in Japan. Approximately 1,920 bottles of Chichibu The London Edition 2024 will be made available and sold through The Whisky Exchange and other independent retailers.

Chichibu : Speciality Brands