Ichiro Akuto is known as the king of independent Japanese whisky distillers. Having begun his career at Suntory, Ichiro joined his family distillery in Hanyu. After that business was sold, in 2004 he launched Venture Whisky and used it as a platform to bottle leftover Hanyu casks. 

In 2007, he built the Chichibu distillery and the whiskies he has produced since have won awards and acclaim across the world. 

The Ichiro's Malt & Grain is a blend which includes whiskies from his own distillery as well as America, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. As the label says, it is truly a worldwide whisky. 

Those familiar with the Japanese palate will not be surprised that Ichiro's Malt & Grain is smooth and light. But there are plenty of complex flavours packed in there too. You won’t get them all on the first sip and a dash of water helps to bring them out. 

As Japanese blends go, this is up there with the very best and a fine example of how the science of blending can produce truly unique and special whiskies.