Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 20th Anniversary

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 20th Anniversary – Bottling Note

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 20th Anniversary is a limited-edition World Blended Whisky released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Venture Whisky Co., Ltd., the company behind the Chichibu Distillery in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Launched in 2024, it serves as a milestone bottling reflecting the journey of Venture Whisky since its foundation in September 2004 and occupies a particularly significant place within the renowned Ichiro’s Malt & Grain range.

The whisky is built around malt whisky from Chichibu Distillery as its key component. According to the producer, it also incorporates carefully selected stocks from distilleries in Japan and overseas with which the company had close connections during its formative years, alongside inherited mature whisky stocks that have been preserved and nurtured in Chichibu’s warehouses. The result is intended to express the history and character of Venture Whisky through the art of blending.

Although released as a No Age Statement (NAS) whisky, some retailers and industry sources have reported that mature stocks from Chichibu, Hanyu, Kawasaki, Karuizawa and BenRiach may be included. As the composition may vary between batches, it is best understood as a commemorative blend centred on Chichibu whisky rather than a whisky defined by a fixed recipe.

Bottled at 48% ABV in a 700ml format, it is presented in natural colour and without chill filtration, preserving the character of the constituent spirits. Detailed cask information has not been officially disclosed.

Whereas the regular Ichiro’s Malt & Grain range is known for combining malt and grain whiskies from around the world, this anniversary release places greater emphasis on historic stocks connected to Venture Whisky’s heritage and long-matured reserves held in Chichibu. As such, it is more than simply a commemorative label; it is a whisky designed to encapsulate two decades of the company’s development and craftsmanship.

Please note that specific batch selection is not available for this product.

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 20th Anniversary – Tasting Note

Nose: Bright citrus notes reminiscent of orange and grapefruit emerge first, followed by a gentle sweetness evoking green apples and dried fruits. Given time in the glass, aromas of baked pastries and toasted almonds begin to develop, accompanied by subtle herbal and spice-like nuances. The nose displays considerable layering, revealing different facets over time rather than settling into a single dominant character.

Palate: Smooth and full-bodied on arrival, with a rounded texture that immediately suggests maturity. A natural fruit-driven sweetness forms the foundation, supported by rich malt character and notable depth. As the whisky develops, hints of oak-derived dryness and restrained spice appear, adding structure and complexity. A softer grain whisky influence seems to provide balance, bringing together the various components into a cohesive whole.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering sweetness balanced by a gentle bitterness. Faint oak notes remain present into the later stages, joined by a touch of smoke-like character that gradually fades away. Multiple elements continue to evolve across the finish, highlighting the depth and complexity expected from a blend containing mature whisky stocks.

Overall: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 20th Anniversary is not simply a whisky built around age or intensity; it feels like a retrospective of Venture Whisky’s first two decades, expressed through blending. Chichibu malt remains at its core, while whiskies of varied origins and histories contribute additional layers and dimension. Compared with the standard Ichiro’s Malt & Grain releases, this bottling places greater emphasis on maturity, depth and heritage, resulting in a whisky that reflects both the evolution of modern Japanese whisky and the unique legacy of Venture Whisky itself.