The Whisky Exchange announced a new exclusive peated whisky from Chichibu.
The spirit was distilled in 2012 from Concerto barley peated to 50 ppm. It was matured in a refill cask that was previously used to matured whisky from a now-closed distillery (they can’t say which one). TWE already bottled sister cask #2088 back in 2017.
Due to the popularity of Japanese whiskies it will be sold by ballot, starting today until 17 May 2020.
Chichibu 2012 (60,8%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2019, refill hogshead #2089, 349 btl.)
Nose: you know, this could have been a much older Caol Ila. Plenty of cold ashes, wet wool, hints of olive brine and nice menthol. So very gentle and balanced. Subtle camphor and lemon peel. There’s also a bit of Campbeltown character, you know, car workshops, metal tools and oily notes. Just a whiff of vanilla and almond paste, adding roundness, but it stays very much on the dry side.
Mouth: same thoughts, is this old Caol Ila mixed with a dash of higher proof Lagavulin? Pure smoke, with nice medicinal notes (camphor, iodine) and fresh tar, as well as some bright lime and white berries. A touch of sweet liquorice. White pepper and smoked kipper.
Finish: long, clean and deeply smoky, with a big coastal tang and some dark chocolate.
I don’t usually say things like ‘considering the age, it is great’ but boy, how can you replicate old Islay whisky in just seven years? Japanese precision with a lovely integrated, warm peatiness. You can sign up for the ballot on the Whisky Exchange website (via a link sent by e-mail).