There are collaborations, and then there are statements of intent. Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries 2021, a blended whisky marrying spirit from Chichibu and Komagatake, falls squarely into the latter category. At 53.5% ABV and carrying a £250 price tag, this is a bottle that asks you to pay attention — and, having spent time with it, I think it earns that ask.
For those not tracking the Japanese craft whisky scene closely, the significance here is in the partnership itself. Chichibu, Ichiro Akuto's fiercely independent operation in Saitama Prefecture, has become one of the most sought-after names in world whisky over the past decade. Komagatake, the single malt produced at Mars Shinshu distillery high in the Central Alps of Nagano, brings its own distinct mountain character to the table. The Double Distilleries series pairs these two craft-scale producers in a blend that sidesteps the usual Japanese whisky playbook of polished, approachable harmony in favour of something more assertive and textured.
This is a NAS release, which at this price point will raise eyebrows for some. But the Japanese craft segment has largely moved past age statements as the primary marker of quality, and at cask strength, you're getting whisky that hasn't been diluted or filtered into anonymity. What you have in the glass is an honest representation of what these two distilleries can produce together — uncompromised by commercial convention.
Tasting Notes
I won't fabricate specific notes I haven't recorded in detail, but I can tell you this much: the blend leans into the strengths of both distilleries. Expect a whisky that carries weight and presence at that 53.5% strength without being aggressive. The Chichibu influence tends to bring richness and a certain waxy depth, while Komagatake contributes a lighter, more floral and cereal-driven quality. The interplay between these two house styles is what makes the Double Distilleries releases worth pursuing — they're not blended to smooth each other out, but to create a conversation between two distinct voices.
The Verdict
At £250, this sits in competitive territory. You could buy a very good single cask Scotch for the same money, or a well-aged bourbon with impeccable credentials. What you're paying for here is rarity, craft, and the specific character of two Japanese distilleries that are producing some of the most interesting whisky in the world right now. The 2021 vintage sits within a series that has built a justified reputation among collectors and drinkers alike, and secondary market prices for earlier releases have climbed well above their original retail — a fact worth noting if you're on the fence.
Is it worth it? If you're genuinely interested in Japanese whisky beyond the big-house offerings from Suntory and Nikka, then yes. This is a bottle that rewards attention and tells you something real about the distilleries behind it. It's not a casual purchase, but it's not pretending to be one either. A 7.8 out of 10 feels right — this is a very good whisky with genuine provenance, held back only slightly by the premium you're paying for scarcity rather than age transparency.
Best Served
Neat, in a tulip glass, with a few drops of water after your first pour. At 53.5%, the water opens it up considerably without flattening it. Give it ten minutes in the glass before you start making judgements — this one unfolds rather than announces itself. If you're feeling adventurous, a small measure over a single large ice sphere works surprisingly well for a whisky at this price point, letting the blend shift and reveal different facets as it dilutes slowly. Save the highball for your daily drinker.
