Chichibu Peated 2022

During our quarterly virtual tasting with some friends, one of them was generous enough to share a selection of spirits from around the world. The second spirit was the Chichibu Peated 2022 edition, bottled at 53.5% ABV. The aroma is soft and subtle, with light peaty smoke underneath a tropical fruit smoothie, accompanied by light floral scents and sandalwood incense. It's absolutely divine with a perfect balance and a mild ethanol burn. The taste has a velvety, rich mouthfeel. The peaty, smoky notes come first, with hints of sun-baked asphalt and burnt rubber, along with mild iodine, which then recedes into earthy, roasted notes balanced by rich tropical fruits and a subtle floral note. This is followed by light baking spices and sandalwood incense with a medium ethanol presence. The finish is long, beginning with a mild peaty, earthy smoke that gives way to creamy tropical fruits, freshly brewed espresso, and sandalwood, which lingers for minutes after each sip, slowly revealing more floral and fruity notes. I'm a big fan of Chichibu, and this release is no exception. It's surprisingly still available at The Whisky Exchange for around 200 pounds, which is an incredible price for a Chichibu. If you haven't tried a Chichibu, it might be worth picking one up while they're available overseas, as even with shipping, it would likely be half the price of local stores near me.

This was a highlight of our recent virtual tasting with friends. Chichibu is a distillery I really enjoy, but they are unfortunately quite expensive and difficult to obtain. Their peated cask expression is their least costly, and even that costs around $230 in the UK or over $400 in the US. So, whenever I manage to acquire one, it's a special occasion. The aromas are rather subdued. I anticipated a strong wave of smoke and tar, perhaps like an Islay. However, the nose is gentle. It has fruity notes and a hint of smoke. But on the palate, it explodes with a variety of flavors. Now I'm getting a lot of orchard fruits—peaches, apricots. And then the smoke appears. It's not the smoky style of Lagavulin or Ardbeg, but gentler. I'd compare it to a Talisker. Now I understand why I adore Chichibu. It possesses that Talisker essence, and Talisker is one of my favorites. (Hey, you enjoy Talisker, you should try this!). Overall, highly recommended, just expensive.

Many thanks to a friend for the sample. The nose has some rubbery peat, lime custard, apple orchard, and soft floral notes. The palate is fruity and sweet on arrival, with ripe plum, toffee, and 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 that I've tried it, I can begin to understand why these command such a high price. A remarkable pour that I am thrilled to have been able to try. Thanks again! I'll join the chorus of 4.5s on this one.

A burst of smoke and fruit. Nose: Pineapples, coconut, guava, mesquite smoke, barbecue sauce, bananas, peaches Palate: Peaches, mackerel, smoke, coconuts, bacon, vanilla, pineapples, rosewater, white chocolate Finish: Peaches, pecans, mackerel, salted cod, smoke, marshmallows