Chichibu On the Way Floor Malted 2024 54.5% NV

Chichibu On the Way Floor Malted 2024 54.5% NV

Japan's esteemed Chichibu distillery celebrates its 16th year with the release of the Chichibu On The Way Floor Malted 2024 Edition. This limited edition marks the 4th release in the beloved On The Way series, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to craft and tradition. Bottled at a robust 54.5% ABV, only 12,000 bottles of this special edition will be available, making it a coveted item for whisky enthusiasts.

The Chichibu On The Way Floor Malted 2024 Edition is a blend matured in ex-Bourbon, Wine, and Chibidaru casks, each contributing to its unique flavor profile. This release stands out with its fruity notes, featuring luscious plums and peaches, underpinned by a rustic barley flavor derived from the traditional floor malting process. The result is a whisky that evokes a sense of nostalgia while delivering a smooth, enduring finish.

The floor malting method, integral to this edition, involves spreading soaked barley grains on smooth concrete floors to sprout over 4-5 days. Regular turning of the barley, by hand or machine, prevents root growth and mat formation, ensuring even malting. This meticulous process is believed to impart a more rustic, hearty, and nutty flavor to the whisky, contrasting with the more common industrial box malting method where barley is mechanically agitated in large containers.

This edition marks the return of the On The Way series since its last appearance in 2019. Previous releases in 2013 and 2015 were highly regarded, and this 2024 edition continues to build on that legacy. The inclusion of floor malting in this release reflects a technique that has been a hallmark of other celebrated Chichibu expressions, emphasizing the distillery’s dedication to traditional methods and craftsmanship.