The Chita, a Suntory creation, is difficult to find in this region. This is a 100% single grain spirit made in continuous column stills, resulting in a smoother, sweeter character. Single grain whiskies can be made from various grains, not just barley, and don't need malting. Unmalted grains, primarily corn in The Chita's case, are used. Aged in diverse casks and bottled at 43%, its aroma is astonishing, truly impressive. Initially, it presents banana, cereal, sweet corn, and vanilla – very sweet, with grassy, vegetal undertones. Faint white oak and a dry oak essence are in the background. It's unexpectedly intricate. The taste is absolutely superb, genuinely like milk chocolate, evoking a sweet chocolate dessert. This demonstrates the remarkable quality and sweetness of a well-crafted single grain whisky. I had underestimated single grain whiskies until now; this is exceptional. I'm truly amazed by how good it is. 95/100
Suntory The Chita Single Grain
Whiskey Japanese Whisky Japan No age statement 43% ABV
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About this bottle
This single grain whisky originates from Suntory's Chita Distillery, which commenced operations in 1972 in Port Nagoya, Japan, and is referred to as the "silent" distillery. The Chita Distillery is responsible for producing the grain whisky components found in well-known products such as the Hibiki range and other Suntory whiskies. Aside from highly exclusive bottlings, Suntory has rarely released single grain expressions from Chita. Its domestic core range product, the Chita Grain, a limited-production bottling, became scarce as demand for Hibiki increased. Initially launched in Japan in September 2015, it became available in select travel retail and duty-free locations starting in July 2016.
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Reviews
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Nose - Vanilla sugar syrup, vanilla cake frosting, white cake from a box Taste - Sweet white cake, vanilla frosting, light peach, candy cake toppings Finish - Lingering sugar sweet, vanilla syrup, corn syrup Score - 73/100 Final Thoughts - I could immediately tell this was a grain whisky from the aroma. It has that very clean distillate smell and hits the palate similarly to other grains I've encountered. This one is almost dessert-like, offering vibes of white vanilla cake, complete with frosting. It's as if they distilled a large quantity of vanilla frosted cakes with sprinkles. While this sounds appealing, it borders on being excessively sweet/dessert-like for my preference. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it, but I'm uncertain I would be content with a full bottle. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are conducted without considering price.
The Chita from Suntory's main distillery is less visually appealing than Yamazaki and Hakushu, and therefore not open to the public. This expression is elegant yet unadorned. On the nose, notes of honeydew melon, chamomile, and grains mingle with gingerbread, custard, and white chocolate. The taste, rich with honey and vanilla, progresses to coconut, mint, and subtle dry oak. While a little young, it's quite enjoyable. A bittersweet ending with cinnamon rolls, almonds, and more honey develops. Much of Japanese whisky gets lost in translation; this bottling offers more than is immediately apparent. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]
The Chita immediately brings Suntory Toki to mind, but it offers more layers of complexity. I consider this a positive. While I appreciate Toki's simplicity and lack of ostentation, The Chita, conversely, possesses subtlety. Here you'll discover vanilla and herbal notes. It's light yet engaging, and the finish is bolder than one might expect from a grain spirit. It might not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy spirits from Japan, I'd suggest it as a pleasant alternative to the usual Hibikis and the increasing number of unremarkable "Japanese" whiskies appearing in stores.
The aroma is very faint, with no discernible scent. The palate has a hint of sweetness and little else, perhaps a very subtle trace of raisin or even rice, similar to drinking sake. It causes a significant burn down the throat and into the stomach with no distinct finish. While its lack of distinct character might make it smooth or easy for some, it's disappointing if you're seeking an enjoyable flavor profile. It's probably suitable for mixing, as no strong flavors emerge. I definitely won't recommend it or buy it again.
An elegant, Japanese single grain whisky from the Chita distillery, one of the distilleries owned by Suntory, matured in a mix of Sherry, bourbon & wine casks. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of Honeydew melon, citrus & honied cereal; while a rich development adds notes of vanilla sponge cake, more honey & a hint of orchard blossom; that led to a zesty end of medium length. October 2017 / June 2018 / 2020 / July 2021 / 2022
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