No one saw this coming: A Japanese whisky brand blends in Dutch heritage

Friday, 23 January 2026 at 08:15

Kintsugi & Delftsblauw Single Cask Blended Whisky

All of a sudden, the Japanese brand Chichibu pulls a rabbit out of the hat. They’ve released the Kintsugi & Delft Blue Single Cask Blended Whisky set. Yes, you read that right: Delft Blue. A piece of Dutch heritage woven into Japanese whisky.

It’s a duo of whiskies launched simultaneously, available only as a set. Both whiskies come from Chichibu Ichiro’s. Each expression matured for 1 year and 8 months in second-fill bourbon casks and is bottled from a single cask.

Chichibu’s Delft Blue whisky

The Delft Blue Edition takes its cue from the Netherlands’ famed ceramics. Bottled at 61.8% ABV and limited to just 239 bottles worldwide, it’s a rare release.

How does the Delft Blue Edition taste?

The tasting notes are as follows:

Nose: Aromas of vanilla and caramel, wrapped in soft rose petals with a dusting of powdered sugar. Notes of warm poffertjes make an appearance too.

Palate: Gentle peppery spice with creamy layers of panna cotta and crème brûlée. Fruity accents of strawberries and plum jam emerge, lifted by a fresh hint of pine.

Finish: Medium in length, dry and tannic, balanced by a sweetness that rounds things off elegantly.

Chichibu’s Kintsugi Edition whisky

The second whisky in the set, Kintsugi, nods to the Japanese art of mending with gold, celebrating imperfections rather than hiding them.

This whisky was finished for 1 year and 8 months in a second-fill bourbon cask that previously held peated spirit, giving it a smokier profile. It is bottled at 60.8% ABV.

This, too, is a limited release: just 259 bottles.

How does the Kintsugi Edition taste?

The tasting notes are as follows:

Nose: Deep and expressive, with smoky nuances interlaced with dark fruit, freshly shaved wood, and warm spices.

Palate: Toasted sugar and gentle smoke, layered with stewed plums and earthy undertones.

Finish: Long. Spicy smokiness that slowly fades.

Whiskies presented in a luxury box

Both whiskies come in a premium gift box, accompanied by a special tile featuring a Delft Blue print with golden lines. The exact price of the set remains unclear.

Want to learn more about Chichibu? Visit the official website.