(Image Source: Claridge's)

London's Mayfair-based hotel Claridge's bottled its very own Chichibu Whisky last year, but has only just now been unveiled for tasting as things open back up.

The new Claridge's bottling was distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2021, with a total of 300 hand-numbered bottles. Each bottle comes with a label featuring Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto's traditional calligraphy work stylising Chichibu founder Ichiro Akuto's name. The label also features Claridge's insignia in red, specifically selected to represent Japan's national color, as a nod to the historic collaboration.

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma

Dry and aromatic, featuring aromas of sandalwood, beeswax polished oak, hazelnut brittle (heavy on the nuts), and distant coal smoke with a touch of meadow flower and autumn leaf. Apple and pear notes follow, along with toasted rye bread and salty butter, all on top of  a soft and leafy herbal base of mint and tarragon.

Taste

Sweet and spicy with layers of berry fruit, as well as blackcurrant, blackberry and redcurrant. Liquorice hints and spiced shortbread balance rich toffee and mint fondant. Sultanas, raisins, and green leaves develop, backed up by soft and leafy bonfire smoke, black pepper and shortbread spice.

Finish

Lingering note of apples and pears with layers of spiced shortbread and gingerbread.

(Image Source: Claridge's)

Each bottle is gently embedded in Japanese rice paper and comes in a Japanese cedar box from Takaaki Matsumoto. 

Sugimoto has also designed 25 handblown glass decanters to go with the whisky, alongside hand-made glass funnels. The decanter boxes have also been designed by the artist and will each feature an original hand painted piece of work.

Claridge's will also make the whisky available for pour for its guests at its Claridge's Bar for £125 a 50ml pour, while decanters and a single bottle will be made available for £10,000. A single bottle itself will go for £1,500. 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team