In the past, we’ve had the pleasure of tasting a few Chichibu whiskies, including a single cask bottled for La Maison du Whisky. Today, we’re revisiting this iconic distillery with two more single casks, both bottled exclusively for La Maison du Whisky. First up is a Chichibu 2013, bottled in 2022 for their Antipodes collection, followed by a Chichibu 2015, bottled in 2024 for their Foundations collection. Let’s dive in and see what these two single casks have to offer!
Chichibu 2013 Cask #2856 (2022) Review
This Chichibu 2013 was matured in virgin oak cask #2856 and bottled in 2022 as part of La Maison du Whisky’s Antipodes collection (2022). It was released at cask strength (61%) with no chill filtration or added colouring, with an outturn of 177 bottles. Unsurprisingly, it’s sold out – unless, of course, you’re willing to pay four times the original price at overpriced, profit-hungry online retailers.
Colour:
Auburn
Nose:
Neat: The nose is powerful – approach carefully to avoid an overwhelming hit to the nostrils. Aromas of pine needles, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and menthol dominate, balanced by plenty of vanilla.
With water: After 5 drops, notes of custard cream and a hint of pepper emerge. Adding 3 more drops (in a smaller volume) brings the virgin oak back to the forefront, accompanied by prominent woodiness and a touch of chocolate.
Palate:
Neat: The palate has a thick, creamy mouthfeel. It opens with a burst of vanilla, followed by a delayed wave of alcohol heat. Woody bitterness then emerges, alongside notes of chocolate, pine needles, butterscotch, and tiramisu. Subsequent sips bring an intense peppery heat that lingers.
With water: After 5 drops, the heat subsides significantly, revealing custard, lemon, butterscotch, chocolate, and subtle pine notes. Adding 3 more drops (in a smaller volume) shifts the focus, with the cask’s influence becoming more pronounced – less vanilla, but more lemon and wood spices taking centre stage.
Finish:
The finish is long and rich, featuring layers of milk and dark chocolate, raw pine wood planks, and a hint of pine resin. Vanilla extract lingers alongside a touch of astringency, adding a slightly drying feeling on the gums.
Comments:
A nice whisky, though sadly, the virgin oak cask has overshadowed the distillate, in my opinion. The Chichibu 2013 puts up a good fight, but the wood influence proves too dominant. It does improve with a light reduction – just be cautious with the pipette, as too much water brings the wood back with a vengeance.
Rating: 6/10
Chichibu 2015 Cask #4334 (2024) Review
This Chichibu 2015 was matured in first-fill bourbon cask #4334 and bottled in 2024 as part of Jean-Marc Bellier’s retirement tribute (he was the director of LMDW’s 20 rue d’Anjou shop). It was released as part of their 2024 Foundations collection, the 165 bottles being filled at cask strength (63.3%) with no added colouring or chill filtration. It’s now sold out.
Colour:
Burnished
Nose:
Neat: Despite the higher ABV, the nose is less intense than the 2013. It opens with hazelnut, light coconut, a hint of pepper, and custard. There are also floral notes, along with pears, honey, and quince.
With water: Adding water reveals lemon, plums, and a touch of pineapple, with a background of dusty books.
Palate:
Neat: The mouthfeel is velvety, with an initial wave of vanilla followed by a burst of lemon juice and chili pepper. Beneath the heat, there’s milk chocolate, apples, pomelo, brown sugar, and French toast (or ‘pain perdu’ in French). As the wood makes its presence known, a hint of bitterness emerges.
With water: The mouthfeel becomes even more refined – velvety, oily, and almost waxy. The citrus notes intensify, with more lemon, grapefruit, and Granny Smith apples, all lightly salted. Cloves and dried herbs.
Finish:
The finish is rich, with notes of dark chocolate, a hint of coconut, dark caramel, hazelnut, and a subtle trace of cigarette smoke.
Comments:
This Chichibu 2015 is a significant improvement over the 2013. In my opinion, first-fill bourbon casks complement Chichibu much better than virgin oak – actually, I’d say they’re a better match for any whisky!
Rating: 7.5/10
With big thanks to the New Rose Cocktail bar in Boulogne-Billancourt – highly recommended! – and to Stan (highly recommended as well!)
