In the world of Japanese craft whisky, one name shines above the rest: Ichiro’s Malt.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a curious beginner, exploring the distinctive character of Ichiro’s Malt is a rewarding journey. Among its many offerings, the Leaf Label Series has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its rich flavors, artistic expression, and deep-rooted history.
In this feature, we thoroughly review all six core expressions of the Leaf Label Series—breaking down their aroma, palate, and finish to help you discover the unique charm of each bottle.
- What Is the Ichiro’s Malt “Leaf Label” Series?
- The Chichibu Distillery – A Craft Whisky Pioneer
- What Is “Double Distilleries”?
- Tasting the Six Leaf Label Whiskies
- Ichiro’s Malt “Leaf Label Series” 6-Variety Comparative Tasting
- Evaluation Criteria: Aroma, Taste, and Finish
- Ichiro’s Malt & Grain (White Label)
- Ichiro’s Malt MWR (Mizunara Wood Reserve) (Yellow Label)
- Ichiro’s Malt Wine Wood Reserve (Red Label)
- Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries (Green Label)
- Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Limited (Blue Label)
- Classical Edition (Black Label)
- Final Thoughts
- Reference
- Conclusion
What Is the Ichiro’s Malt “Leaf Label” Series?
Ichiro’s Malt is the flagship brand of Venture Whisky Ltd., founded in 2004 by Ichiro Akuto, a visionary who helped revive Japanese whisky during its darkest era. The Leaf Label Series represents a diverse range of whiskies, each matured in carefully selected casks—such as Mizunara, wine, and sherry barrels—offering a unique perspective on Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Each bottle showcases the fruity house style of Ichiro’s Malt, layered with the complexity of barrel influence. Tasting them side-by-side reveals their subtle and bold differences alike.
Here are the six whiskies we’ll be comparing:
- Ichiro’s Malt & Grain (White Label)
- Ichiro’s Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve (Yellow)
- Ichiro’s Malt Wine Wood Reserve (Red)
- Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries (Green)
- Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Limited Edition (Blue)
- Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Classical Edition (Black)
The Chichibu Distillery – A Craft Whisky Pioneer
From Chichibu to the World
Located roughly 100 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, in the mountainous town of Chichibu, the Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery began operations in 2008. Thanks to the region’s sharp seasonal temperature differences—ideal for whisky maturation—Chichibu quickly earned global recognition.
Led by founder Ichiro Akuto and a small, passionate team, the distillery takes a hands-on approach to production. Nearly everything is done manually—from mashing and fermentation to distillation and bottling.
They use a variety of casks (bourbon, sherry, wine, Mizunara oak, etc.) and practice daily tastings to create balanced, harmonious blends.
A Revival Story
Ichiro Akuto was born into a sake-making family in Hanyu, Saitama. The family also ran a whisky operation in the 1980s using traditional Scottish methods, but by the late ’90s, the business collapsed. Facing the closure of Hanyu Distillery and the potential destruction of over 400 casks of whisky, Akuto acted swiftly.
He partnered with Sasanokawa Shuzo in Fukushima to store the precious casks and eventually founded Venture Whisky, releasing his first expressions under Ichiro’s Malt. His resilience gave birth to Japan’s craft whisky movement.
What Is “Double Distilleries”?
The Double Distilleries expression is a blend of whiskies from two distilleries: the now-closed Hanyu Distillery, founded by Ichiro’s grandfather, and the newer Chichibu Distillery, founded by Ichiro himself.
It was first released in 2009 and quickly earned acclaim, winning Best Japanese Blended Whisky (No Age Statement) at Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards. The combination of Hanyu’s rich sweetness and Chichibu’s vibrant freshness makes this an iconic blend.
Tasting the Six Leaf Label Whiskies
Let’s dive into the details! All whiskies were tasted neat to highlight their natural flavors.
| Label Color | Name | Character |
|---|---|---|
| White | Malt & Grain | Fruity, balanced, ideal for beginners |
| Red | Wine Wood Reserve | Berry-rich with a wine barrel’s bold personality |
| Yellow | Mizunara Wood Reserve (MWR) | Spicy, complex with Japanese oak richness |
| Green | Double Distilleries | Smoky and bold, a fusion of Hanyu & Chichibu |
| Blue | Limited Edition | Elegant and nutty, with floral and sweet notes |
| Black | Classical Edition | Deep, mature, with chocolate and spice |
Ichiro’s Malt “Leaf Label Series” 6-Variety Comparative Tasting
We compared different Ichiro’s Malt expressions to appreciate their unique flavors.
Evaluation Criteria: Aroma, Taste, and Finish
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain (White Label)
- Aroma: Fresh and fruity with notes of apple, pear, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Taste: A gentle blend of malt and grain whiskies from 11 distilleries. Creamy, smooth texture with hints of peach, honey, and soft spice.
- Finish: Light, clean, and slightly spicy with lingering dried fruit.
A great entry point into Ichiro’s world, showcasing balance and approachability.
Ichiro’s Malt MWR (Mizunara Wood Reserve) (Yellow Label)
- Aroma: Distinctively Japanese, with incense-like Mizunara oak, spice, and sweet vanilla.
- Taste: Toasted nuts, clove, and rich malt sweetness. Deep and spicy.
- Finish: Long and elegant with dry spice and subtle wood notes.
Perfect for fans of complex, oak-forward whiskies.
Ichiro’s Malt Wine Wood Reserve (Red Label)
- Aroma: Red berries, spice, oak, and hints of dark chocolate.
- Taste: Juicy berry flavors and a hint of tannic dryness. A fruity yet balanced dram.
- Finish: Wine-like and silky, with just a touch of bitterness for contrast.
One of the most expressive and unique bottles in the range.
Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries (Green Label)
- Aroma: Peaty smoke, roasted nuts, and a hint of citrus.
- Taste: Bold and rich. The smokiness is complemented by dark sugar and spice.
- Finish: Long and smoky with a gentle sweetness on the fade.
A memorable blend of heritage and innovation.
Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Limited (Blue Label)
- Aroma: Floral, herbal, with roasted nuts and vanilla.
- Taste: Delicate and balanced, with fresh notes of nuts, soft spice, and mild sweetness.
- Finish: Clean, crisp, and slightly fruity. Very elegant.
A light, refined dram—ideal as an aperitif.
Classical Edition (Black Label)
- Aroma: Dried fruits, raisins, dark chocolate, and subtle spice.
- Taste: Deep and woody, with caramel, brown sugar, and smooth maltiness.
- Finish: Mature and smoky with a dry, lingering finish.
A bold, contemplative whisky for seasoned palates.
Final Thoughts
Each whiskey in the “Leaf Label Series” has a distinct personality, and tasting them side by side deepens the appreciation of their nuances. Whether fruity, smoky, or spicy, every bottle offers something unique.
For me, the Red Label was my favorite, but they were all excellent. I enjoyed them neat for this tasting.
Reference
This article was inspired by The Complete Single Malt & Whisky Bible by Ichiro Akuto.
Conclusion
The “Leaf Label Series” is an exciting collection that allows whiskey lovers to explore a variety of flavors. Each expression offers unique aromas, tastes, and finishes, making the experience of choosing one truly enjoyable.
I highly recommend trying this series—let’s enjoy the whiskey life together!✨
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