The seventh and final edition in the 7EVEN Gods of Fortune series, this Chichibu 2016 8 Years was named after Jurōjin, the god of longevity. Most importantly, it’s an unpeated single malt matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel, generally my favourite kind of Chichibu.
Full disclosure, I helped pick this cask together with a panel of six others. It was kind of a challenge, because we had to base our decisions on just a centilitre of whisky. That’s generally not enough to properly evaluate a spirit, let alone one that’s now retailing for an amount north of 1500 euro.
Thankfully, now that it is bottled I have had the opportunity to properly taste it again. And guess what? We made a good decision.
Chichibu 2016 8 Years – 7EVEN Gods of Fortune ‘Edition 7’ (63.3%, OB, C#5726)
Nose: Bright, fruity and with a hint of Greek yoghurt initially, this Chichibu benefits from some time in the glass. Then tropical hints of tinned pineapple, guave and passion fruit appear, as well as a touch of chalk and white pepper. Also just a whiff of honey after a splash of water is added, and a slight herbacious note alongside ripe bananas.
Taste: Proper buttery texture. This approaches the lively tropicality of certain Littlemill, Inchmurrin or those older Irish whiskies. Some mild peppery spices, although utterly drinkable even at this high strength. Water improves its mouthfeel even further, while also highlighting some mineral notes.
Finish: Medium to long. The oak starts playing a slightly bigger role. A hint of coconut and aniseed, but the fruity notes remain.
Sample provided by Salud Spirits
