Cult Japanese whisky producer Chichibu Distillery has partnered with iconic British department store Selfridges to release a highly collectible single malt Japanese whisky. Only 195 bottles of the limited-edition expression were produced, and it will be available from Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Selfridges’ London, Manchester, and Birmingham stores and on Selfridges.com.
The release marks the second collaboration between the two brands, following an inaugural partnership in 2019.
Drawn from a 2018 vintage single cask, the whisky was matured for seven years in a first-fill bourbon barrel. It was bottled in 2025 at cask strength of 59.5% ABV.
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READ THE STORYThe expression is non-chill filtered and contains no added coloring, allowing the spirit’s natural character to come through. It carries a recommended retail price of $353 (£265).
Official tasting notes from the brand describe candied citrus on the nose, complemented by roasted orchard fruits, honeysuckle, and a gentle hint of sweet cinnamon. On the palate, the whisky is rich and full-bodied, revealing layers of ripe peach and brown sugar, before finishing with a warming, lingering vanilla sweetness.
The label design is a defining feature of the bottling. Created to echo the theatrical window displays of Selfridges, it draws inspiration from the store’s famous installations, which have long been treated as art-like showcases central to its identity. The 2019 release featured a similarly distinctive label concept.
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The collaboration underscores the shared values of both brands in craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Chichibu Distillery was founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2004 in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture and began distilling in 2008. The Akuto family has a long history of alcohol production in Japan, and the distillery is known for its intimate, hands-on approach to whisky-making.
The brand’s meticulous production process and extremely limited releases have earned it cult status among whisky collectors worldwide. Chichibu bottlings regularly command significant premiums on the secondary market, with certain expressions reaching thousands of dollars at auction.
Selfridges has steadily expanded its spirits offering in recent years, positioning itself as a destination for rare and exclusive releases across categories including whisky, Cognac, and Tequila. The retailer’s wine and spirits department has become a notable channel for limited-edition collaborations with premium producers.
