Chichibu Peated 2022

For our quarterly virtual tasting with @PBMichiganWolverine , @ctbeck11 , @Richard-ModernDrinking and @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington , @PBMichiganWolverine was kind enough to treat us to a round the world assortment of drams. Second was the Chichibu Peated 2022 edition that was bottled at 53.5% ABV. The nose is soft and subtle with light peat smoke emerging underneath a tropical fruit smoothie along with light floral aromas and sandalwood incense that is absolutely heavenly with a perfect balance and mild ethanol burn. The taste is a velvety rich mouthfeel with the peaty smoky notes emerging first with sun soaked asphalt and burnt rubber along with a mild iodine that then fades to the background of roasted earthy notes that are balanced by rich tropical fruits and a subtle floral note emerging followed by light baking spices and sandalwood incense with medium ethanol. The finish is long, starting with a mild peaty earthy smoke that fades to creamy tropical fruits along with freshly brewed espresso and sandalwood that lingers for minutes after each sip and slowly reveals additional floral and fruity notes. I’m an avid Chichibu fan and this is no slouch in their releases that are shockingly still in stock at The Whisky Exchange for around 200 pounds which is an absolute bargain in terms of pricing for Chichibu. If you haven’t tried a Chichibu, it might be worth it for you to grab one while they are available overseas as it appears even with shipping it’d still be half the cost compared to the local liquor stores around me.

This was one of the highlights for our quarterly virtual tasting with @pkingmartin @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington @ctbeck11 and @Richard-ModernDrinking . Chichibu is one of my favorite distilleries, but unfortunately they are quite pricey and hard to find. Their peated cask seems to be their lowest priced offering, and that too at $230-ish in UK or $400+ here in the US. So, when i do manage to get one, it’s a treat. Aromas are quite muted. I expected a gush of smoke and tar, i guess like an Islay. But the nose is mild. Fruity, a wisp of smoke. But on the palette, it dances with an array of flavors. Now I’m getting a truckload of orchard fruits—-peaches, apricots. And here comes the smoke. It’s not a Lagavulin or Ardbeg style of smoke , but milder. I’d say like a Talisker. Now i know why i love Chichibu. Its because it has that Talisker DNA…and Talisker is one of my favorites. ( hey @Jose-Massu-Espinel …you’re a fan of Talisker, you should try this ). Overall, highly recommended, just a pricey.

Many thanks to @PBMichiganWolverine for the sample. The nose has some rubbery peat, lime custard, apple orchard, and soft floral notes. The palate is fruity sweet on arrival, ripe plum, toffee, vanilla, transitioning to a sweeter peat, slightly savory, followed by some ginger and pepper. I’ve been curious about Chichibu, but haven’t felt the urge to splurge because I understand it’s quite young and very expensive. Now having tried, I can start to understand why these command such a high price. A remarkable pour that I am thrilled to have been able to try. Thanks again, Pranay! I’ll join the chorus of 4.5s on this one.

Punch of smoke and fruit. Nose: Pineapples, Coconut, Guava, Mesquite Smoke, Barbecue Sauce, Bananas, Peaches Palate: Peaches, Mackerels, Smoke, Coconuts, Bacon, Vanilla, Pineapples, Rosewater, White Chocolate Finish: Peaches, Pecans, Mackerels, Salted Cod, Smoke, Marshmallows