Chichibu Angels Favorite Spirit Of Salud Cask 4569 63.5% 2015

Professional reviews

BOW (90)

Chichibu Angels Favorite Spirit Of Salud Cask 4569 63.5% is an exceptional whisky that tells a unique story of craftsmanship and serendipity. Distilled in 2015 at the renowned Chichibu distillery in Japan and bottled in 2024, this 8-year-old whisky is a second fill bourbon cask (cask 4569) that has captured the attention of whisky enthusiasts for a very particular reason—it leaked.

In the world of whisky, cask management is a meticulous process, and Chichibu is known for its diligence in this regard. However, even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. Cask 4569, intended to be part of the Chichibu 7 Gods Of Fortune Edition 6, experienced a leak, drastically reducing its yield. Originally expected to produce 190 bottles, only 75 bottles survived the leak, making this release perhaps the smallest batch in Chichibu's history.

Given the significantly reduced quantity, the decision was made to release this whisky under the Spirits of Salud series rather than its originally intended series. This change adds a layer of rarity and intrigue to the release, capturing the imaginations of collectors and connoisseurs alike.

The label of Chichibu Angels Favorite Spirit Of Salud Cask 4569 is particularly evocative. It features an angel seemingly attempting to protect the whisky from further evaporation and leakage. This imagery adds a poetic touch to the story, suggesting the angel's intervention may have come just in time to preserve this precious spirit, albeit in a smaller quantity than hoped.

At 63.5% ABV, this whisky promises a robust and intense tasting experience, reflecting the quality and character for which Chichibu is celebrated. The use of a second fill bourbon cask has imparted nuanced flavors, likely adding layers of complexity to the spirit.

In conclusion, Chichibu Angels Favorite Spirit Of Salud Cask 4569 63.5% is not just a whisky; it is a testament to the unpredictability and beauty of whisky production. Its rarity, combined with the narrative of the angel and the leak, makes it a sought-after piece for those who appreciate the art and history behind every bottle.