Japanese distillery Chichibu will release three new expressions in the UK this October, including a 10-year-old single malt and the eighth edition of its London exclusive series.
Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu London Edition 2025 Features Warrior-Themed Design
The three releases mark significant milestones for the cult producer. The 10-Year-Old represents only the second age-statement whisky from Chichibu since 2020. Meanwhile, Distillery II showcases the first release from their newer facility established in 2019.
The London Edition 2025 continues the distillery’s UK-exclusive series with a blend of 10 casks, including two heavily peated selections. According to official tasting notes, the expression delivers “mandarin, ginger, vanilla custard, and subtle smoke on the nose, followed by candied citrus, dark chocolate, and brown sugar on the palate.”
Creative Director Raj Chavda designed the London Edition’s label as part of the Musha-e Series featuring Japanese warriors. The design incorporates glow-in-the-dark elements that activate in darkness.
“Inspired by the timeless Musha-e where warriors straddle the boundary between myth and reality, I designed the second release for Chichibu London Edition with a tribute to both history and legend,” Chavda said.
“In this iteration, the noble warrior takes on the Tora, the Japanese tiger – a symbol of strength, courage, and protection. It embodies the resilience of spirit, the power of physical might, and the bravery to stand unwavering, no matter the challenge.
“The glow-in-the-dark elements capture the essence of energy itself. As photons absorb into the surface, the electrons in the phosphor release their stored light, creating a subtle yet powerful luminescence. It’s as if the battle, the power, the legend, suddenly springs to life after dark.”
Chichibu Distillery II Debuts with Four-Year-Old Expression
The Distillery II release offers insight into Chichibu’s expanding operations. Aged between four and five years in various cask types, official tasting notes describe “a honeyed texture layered with custard, cinnamon, and nutmeg, before a long, smoky barley-driven finish.”
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The original Chichibu 10-Year-Old underwent maturation primarily in ex-bourbon barrels. Tasting notes highlight “orange peel, peach and bright redcurrant” flavors with “white pepper and roasted malt” on the finish.
Speciality Brands will distribute all three expressions through selected UK trade partners starting October 1. The releases coincide with The Whisky Show 2025 at Old Billingsgate, London, running October 3-5.
Pricing reflects the premium positioning of these limited releases. The Chichibu 10-Year-Old carries a suggested retail price of £250, while Distillery II costs £150. The London Edition 2025 will retail for £210.66.
Each bottling demonstrates different aspects of Chichibu’s production capabilities. The 10-Year-Old showcases extended aging potential. Distillery II represents expanded capacity. The London Edition continues the distillery’s commitment to the UK market through exclusive releases.
All three expressions will be available for tasting at stand 17 during The Whisky Show. The limited nature of these releases suggests swift sellouts, particularly for the London Edition with its distinctive packaging and UK exclusivity.
