In March 2026, the UK-based World Whiskies Awards announced that a Japanese blended malt had been named “Best Japanese Blended Malt.” The winner was Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries from Venture Whisky in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. Created by founder Ichiro Akuto, it is a flagship expression that vats malt whiskies from Chichibu Distillery I and Chichibu Distillery II.
The true significance of this whisky lies not in sudden acclaim, but in its consistent recognition. From 2019 to 2026, it earned accolades year after year at the World Whiskies Awards, culminating in the Category Winner title—a reflection of the distillery’s unwavering commitment to its craft.
A Decision That Saved 400 Casks and Revived a Legacy
The Akuto family has been involved in sake brewing in Chichibu since 1625, and Ichiro Akuto represents its 21st generation. When his family business, Toa Shuzo in Hanyu, Saitama Prefecture, decided to withdraw from whisky production in 2004, around 400 maturing casks were set to be discarded. Akuto bought them all back, including with money borrowed from relatives, and founded Venture Whisky. He was 39 years old.
In 2005, he released the first Ichiro’s Malt bottling. Over the next two years, he personally visited around 2,000 bars across Japan, building the brand through hands-on dedication. In February 2008, Chichibu Distillery began operations, established with Japan’s first new whisky production license in 35 years.
Two Distilleries, One Lineage
Chichibu Distillery I began operating in 2008. Its Forsyths pot stills are indirectly heated by steam. The distillery is also said to use the world’s first mizunara oak washbacks, which help create fruity, yeast-derived ester aromas.
About 600 meters away, Chichibu Distillery II began full-scale operations in October 2019. It also uses Forsyths pot stills, but these are heated by direct gas flame, a more traditional method of distillation. Its washbacks are custom-made from French oak by France’s Tonnellerie Taransaud.
Double Distilleries is a whisky personally vatted by Akuto from malt whiskies produced at these two distinctly designed distilleries. To preserve the authentic character shaped by these two distinct environments, the whisky is bottled without chill filtration or artificial coloring at 46% ABV, presenting the spirit in its most honest form.
A Hall of Fame Blender and a 20-Year Journey
In 2019, Ichiro Akuto was named Master Blender of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge. In 2024, he became the youngest Japanese person to be inducted into Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame.
From the 39-year-old’s decision to save 400 casks from destruction to his rise as a globally recognized Hall of Fame blender, more than two decades of persistence now quietly give this bottle its depth.
A New Chapter in Bangkok
While Japanese whisky continues to capture global attention, this particular expression remains quietly revered among those who appreciate the philosophy behind the craft. Today, across the quiet counters of Bangkok’s refined dining spaces and whisky bars, the story of Chichibu is unfolding for those seeking a deeper connection to the spirits they enjoy. (Mr. Bacchus)
This article is intended solely to explore the brand heritage and craft of Venture Whisky’s Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries, including the Akuto family’s whisky lineage, the 2004 rescue of 400 casks, the establishment of the Chichibu Distillery in 2008 (the first new whisky license in Japan in 35 years), the vatting of malts from the No.1 and No.2 Chichibu distilleries, and the international recognition through eight consecutive WWA medals culminating in the 2026 Best Japanese Blended Malt award, and is not intended to promote or encourage the consumption of alcohol. / บทความนี้จัดทำขึ้นเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับมรดกแบรนด์และงานฝีมือของ Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries จาก Venture Whisky รวมถึงสายตระกูล Akuto ในวงการวิสกี้ การช่วยเหลือถัง 400 ใบในปี 2004 การก่อตั้งโรงกลั่น Chichibu ในปี 2008 (ใบอนุญาตวิสกี้ใหม่ครั้งแรกในญี่ปุ่นในรอบ 35 ปี) การผสมมอลต์จากโรงกลั่น Chichibu หมายเลข 1 และ 2 และการได้รับการยอมรับในระดับสากลผ่านเหรียญรางวัล WWA 8 ปีติดต่อกัน จนถึงรางวัล Best Japanese Blended Malt ในปี 2026 เท่านั้น มิได้มีเจตนาเพื่อส่งเสริมหรือโฆษณาเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ สำหรับผู้มีอายุ 20 ปีขึ้นไป โปรดดื่มอย่างรับผิดชอบ