Tasting notes: Chichibu 2010 – Dr. Jekyll’s Pub

Strangely enough, this is my first Chichibu review here on Whiskylifestyle. Because as many of you now know I am a big fan of this small Japanese distillery. Since a few years, I try as much as possible from Chichibu. Not only do I try to buy new bottles, which is often super difficult, I also browse festivals in search of a Chichibu release that I have not yet tasted. Over the years I have been able to taste a number of single malts from them and I have discovered that I personally like the Chichibu releases matured in ex-bourbon casks better than those matured in ex-sherry casks.

But, then I saw this Chichibu 2010 was released especially for the Dr. Jekyll’s pub in Oslo, Norway. Although it was matured in a sherry cask, I thought it was worth buying it. With much luck and the help of a friend, I finally managed to get one.

I felt very lucky because it is not easy to get a Chichibu special release. The demand for these bottles is high and everyone immediately shows up if one is announced. So the chance that you will miss out on such bottles is considerable. A pity, because it makes it almost impossible for me and many others to buy one and try it. Unless you want to pay a lot of money for a bottle at an auction. Where they nowadays sell for twice or three times the initial price. Unfortunately, this also ensures that these bottles often stay closed, while I think you should try Chichibu. It is worth it, although perhaps not at any (auction)price …

This Chichibu has matured in a sherry hogshead for 7 years and is bottled at 59.6% ABV. Cask no. 2649.

Chichibu 2010 tasting notes:

Nose: Lovely! Blueberries, cranberries. A hint of leather. Then it becomes sweeter. Honey here. Figs and raisins. A slight hint of tobacco. Caramel too. After that, a bit of coconut appears. Liquorice. And it’s creamy. Whipped cream? Which is followed by a floral note. With water: More floral.

Taste: Plums and raisins. Some lovely honey sweetness. Tobacco again and leather too. Then this is followed by a hint of fresh lemon. With water: Liquorice, anise seeds. Blueberries. And a floral note as well.

Finish: The finish is long with hints of lemon and caramel. But also anise and blueberries.

An absolutely stunning Chichibu. Lovely how the flavours develop and it keeps continuing to be interesting. I love it! Surprisingly good for a Chichibu matured in an ex-sherry cask.