Chichibu "The First Ten" is a structural landmark in the history of Japanese whisky. Released in 2020 to commemorate the distillery’s first decade of operation, this is the inaugural age-stated single malt from Ichiro Akuto’s legendary Saitama site. It represents the maturation of a vision that began in 2008, following the closure of the historic Hanyu Distillery.
The Ten-Year Milestone
Matured in the mountains of Saitama, where extreme seasonal temperature shifts accelerate oak interaction, this expression offers a depth of character far beyond its ten-year statement.
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Limited Release: Production was strictly capped at 5,000 bottles worldwide, immediately becoming one of the most sought-after Chichibu releases.
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Small-Scale Craft: Distilled using traditional wooden washbacks and a precision-focused team of fewer than ten employees.
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Award Pedigree: Named Best Japanese Single Malt at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards, cementing its status as a modern masterpiece.
Sensory Profile
Nose: Vanilla and herbaceous tones. Pudding sweetness, bourbon-cask oak, and citrus fruit develop with a faint, cooling mint note.
Palate: Smooth and rounded. A fruit-forward entry of citrus and ripe orchard fruit transitions into mid-palate vanilla cream and gentle oak.
Finish: Long and mellow. Elegantly sweet with late-emerging mint and secondary herbal layers.
The Collector Tier
"The First Ten" transitioned Chichibu from a producer of high-end young whiskies to an age-stated contender. It remains a visually distinct outlier with its 2020 inaugural label, separate from the 2025 follow-up editions.
"The technical and spiritual successor to the Hanyu legacy."
Technical Specifications
| Distillery |
Chichibu Distillery, Saitama, Japan |
| Style |
Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Age Statement |
10 Years |
| Proof / ABV |
101 Proof / 50.5% ABV |
| Maturation |
Primarily ex-bourbon; Sherry and Wine cask influence |
| Production |
5,000 Bottles (2020 Release) |
| Bottle Size |
700 ml |
Collector Notes
"The First Ten" carries significant historical weight as the brand's first age-stated release. Its value is driven by Chichibu's massive global following and the absolute finality of the 2020 inaugural run. Bottles offered here are verified for pristine label integrity and include the original presentation box and certificate. Given the 5,000-bottle cap and its "Best Japanese Single Malt" recognition, this is a foundational acquisition for any serious Japanese whisky vertical. Provenance documentation is available on request.
Recommended Serving
This single malt is best appreciated neat at room temperature in a copita or Glencairn glass. While the 50.5% ABV is robust, the rounded mouthfeel handles the proof with grace; a single drop of water can be added to unlock the secondary herbaceous notes. Avoid significant dilution to preserve the signature Chichibu fruit profile.
