Beam Suntory’s The Chita Explore Japanese Single Grain

The new The Chita, from Beam Suntory, is a Japanese single grain whisky being released to global travel retail channels.
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Beam Suntory has under its brand stable a range of Japanese distilleries putting out whiskies in a world category which is rapidly gaining popularity amongst drinkers. The mega drinks company is now set to debut another new bottling from the island nation which explores single grain usage, and it is called The Chita.

The Chita, according to Beam Suntory, comes from Chita, a single grain distillery in Aichi Prefecture on the Pacific coast of Japan. Single grain whisky here, much like in Scotland, normally is used as a component of blended whisky, but in the case of this release Suntory master blenders are said to have created “a different and distinctive, light-­‐bodied spirit with The Chita using diverse unblended whisky distilling techniques.”

The Chita

Previously only available in Japan The Chita is made as “Dashi,” a special Japanese broth used across Suntory’s range “to enhance the balance and  harmony of the blend.” It is now being brought to travel retail in Asia Pacific, Europe and, in limited quantities, here in the Americas.

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“The Chita is a perfectly balanced Japanese whisky that reflects the artistry and diversity of The House of Suntory Whisky,” said Michael Cockram, Global Marketing Director, Travel Retail at Beam Suntory, in a statement. “With our rich history of innovation and award-­‐winning Japanese releases, Global Travel Retail will continue to be a priority platform to showcase innovative new products from the Beam Suntory portfolio to the rest of the world.”`

This whisky is presented in an “indigo blue gift box” and is non-age statement in nature. It prices around $55 and should be available starting in July. Official tasting notes for it are below from Beam Suntory:

A bright gold whisky with notes of cardamom, acacia honey and blossoming rose, The Chita is mild and smooth on the palate with a clean finish offering subtle bittersweet hints of spiced oak. Best enjoyed in a traditional Japanese highball with soda, The Chita will add a deep honeyed flavour to the signature serve.

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is the founder of The Whiskey Wash, an award-winning whiskey lifestyle website dedicated to informing and entertaining consumers about whisk(e)y globally. As a whisk(e)y journalist, expert, and judge, he has written extensively about the subject, been interviewed in various media outlets, and provided tasting input on many whiskeys at competitions.

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