Ichiro’s Malt Kiyosato Field Ballet 36th Annyiversary “Giselle”

Ichiro’s Malt Kiyosato Field Ballet 36th Annyiversary “Giselle” – Bottling Note

Ichiro’s Malt Kiyosato Field Ballet 36th Anniversary “Giselle” is a limited-edition release from the Ichiro’s Malt range, produced by Venture Whisky Co., Ltd. at Chichibu Distillery in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Bottled as a Single Malt Japanese Whisky, it is presented at 48% ABV in a 700ml bottle, with just 500 bottles released.

This bottling was created to commemorate the 36th edition of Kiyosato Field Ballet, an annual outdoor ballet festival held in Kiyosato, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Situated in the highlands of central Japan, Kiyosato is known for its natural scenery and summer resort atmosphere. Since its inaugural performance in 1990, the festival has become an established cultural event, with special whisky releases produced to mark its performances over the years. The theme of this edition is Giselle, one of the best-known works of Romantic ballet. It tells the tragic story of a young woman whose love endures beyond betrayal and death.

The whisky is a no-age-statement (NAS) release, as the maturation period of its component spirits has not been disclosed. Its composition brings together robust, full-bodied malt matured in bourbon barrels at Chichibu Distillery and malt matured in Mizunara-headed casks. The former provides a distinctive Chichibu character, with strength and texture, while the latter contributes an elegant fruitiness and a soft, rounded sweetness reminiscent of white sugar and whipped cream. The selected casks have been vatted together before being reduced to 48% ABV. This approach differs from the cask-strength bottlings featured in some of the earlier Kiyosato Field Ballet releases.

The flavour profile centres on the bright fruitiness characteristic of Chichibu malt, complemented by the gentle sweetness imparted by the oak. Light and fresh fruit notes are accompanied by delicate floral nuances and a clean, forest-like character, followed by the soft sweetness of white sugar and whipped cream. On the palate, the bourbon barrel-matured spirit provides body and structure, while the Mizunara-headed cask component adds aromatic complexity and a rounded sweetness. Towards the finish, a pleasing oak character comes to the fore, bringing the different elements together in a well-balanced and layered expression.

Compared with the regular Ichiro’s Malt range and other limited releases, this bottling is particularly notable for the contrast between the robust character of bourbon barrel-matured Chichibu malt and the fragrant fruitiness and gentle sweetness contributed by Mizunara-headed casks. It is a commemorative release in which the character of the whisky is closely linked to the artistic theme of the ballet, making it an especially distinctive addition to the Kiyosato Field Ballet series.

Ichiro’s Malt Kiyosato Field Ballet 36th Annyiversary “Giselle” – Tasting Note

Nose: Fresh and delicate at first, with light fruity aromas reminiscent of pear and white grapes. Subtle floral notes develop alongside a fresh, resinous character evocative of a coniferous forest after the evening dew. Beneath these brighter aromas, a gentle sweetness reminiscent of white sugar and whipped cream gradually emerges, adding softness and depth.

Palate: Smooth and rounded, with a satisfying sense of weight and texture. Ripe pear and yellow peach notes are accompanied by the gentle sweetness of white sugar and cream. As the whisky develops, the robust oak character of the bourbon barrel-matured spirit becomes more apparent, while the Mizunara-headed cask component adds fragrant complexity and delicate spice. At 48% ABV, it has considerable body without losing its balance.

Finish: Medium to long. The soft sweetness gradually gives way to a pleasing oak character and a touch of spice. Fruity notes linger in the background before developing into a gentle, woody finish, leaving a calm and lasting impression.

Overall: A distinctive expression that combines the robust character and texture of Chichibu bourbon barrel-matured malt with the fragrant fruitiness and gentle sweetness of Mizunara-headed cask-matured spirit. Its flavour develops from a light, fresh aromatic profile into a soft, rounded sweetness, followed by a pleasing oak finish. With its gradual evolution and layered character, the whisky evokes the poignancy and enduring sense of love at the heart of Giselle, making it a fitting tribute to the 36th Kiyosato Field Ballet.