Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 111 Proof is a bold, globally blended whisky with a distinct edge — rich and layered yet adventurous, offering candied fruit sweetness, smoky complexity and robust spice. It’s a high-proof “world whisky” that bridges Japanese craftsmanship with international grain and malt whiskies for a daring, full-bodied sip that stands out whether neat or in cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain originates from Chichibu Distillery in Saitama, Japan, founded in 2008 by master distiller Ichiro Akuto — a lineage rooted in the now-legendary Hanyu legacy. Rather than being a single-malt from Chichibu alone, the 111 Proof expression is a true “world blend”: it combines Chichibu’s own malt components with malt and grain whiskies sourced from around the world (including Scotland, Canada, the U.S., Ireland, among others). The blend also incorporates peated malt — a notable divergence from the brand’s lighter, unpeated releases — adding smoke and depth. The final whisky is non-chill filtered, uncoloured, and bottled at a hefty 55.5% ABV (111 proof), making it the highest-strength core blend from Chichibu’s lineup.

Critics Reviews

#19 on the Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2025

"For this U.S.-exclusive, Chichibu Distillery founder Ichiro Akuto married 4–17 year old whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, the U.S., and Canada with 5 year old Chichibu. This expression is peated, unlike his white and blue label expressions. Vibrant aromas of satsuma, caramel, cola, and smoke show through. The rich palate offers malt, dark chocolate, black cherry, raisin, anise, and Dr Pepper, finishing with clove and licorice, while water enhances smoke, candied orange, and sweet chocolate." 94 Points, John McCormick for the Whisky Advocate

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright citrus peel and bramble-berry fruit mingle with toffee, cola sweetness and a light smokiness. With time, hints of candied orange, caramel shortbread, and subtle tobacco emerge, layered with soft grainy warmth and a touch of sea-salt mineral character.

Palate:
Full and rich, the palate delivers candied citrus and dried tropical fruit (think pineapple or mango), sweet caramel and honeyed toffee, followed by toasted buckwheat, gingerbread spice, and a gentle peat smoke. Beneath the sweetness lies warming pepperiness and a slightly roasty grain backbone giving body and depth.

Finish:
Long, warming and slightly smoky. Sweet fruit and caramel linger first, then evolve into toasted grain, gentle peat smoke, sea-salt minerality, and a final peppery warmth. The finish stays robust yet refined, with a lasting impression of spice, smoke, and sweet-toasted grain.

Quick Overview