Suntory The Chita Whisky
(0.7l, 43%)
A shining gem of a Whisky from a hidden place.
Suntory virtually defines the beverage business in Japan. Founded in 1899 to import and distribute wine, they quickly branched out into their own products. Then, in 1923, they stepped into the nearly sacrilegious effort of distilling a Single Malt Whisky in Japan. Since then, Suntory has expanded through home grown brands and the acquisition of established business around the world. They produce dozens of whiskeys, beers, liqueurs, and soft drinks that span the globe.
Suntory owns and operates dozens of distilleries. But the Chita Distillery is perhaps their most secretive. We do know a few things though. It is their “grain” distillery — meaning that it is used for making whole grain (non-malted) spirits from wheat, rye, and some barley. We also know that nearly all of its production goes into Suntory blends — especially some of their higher-priced, premium offerings. But Suntory The Chita Single Grain Whisky is the first stand-alone Whisky that reflects the true nature of this hidden, exotic place. And it is a savory, sweet, and lovely place indeed.
Smartass Corner:
Suntory really tries to keep this distillery away from public view. In fact, it was reported that when a local Whisky blogger in Japan was making a map of all the distilleries in Japan, an executive at Suntory called and asked him to keep Chita off the map.
Suntory virtually defines the beverage business in Japan. Founded in 1899 to import and distribute wine, they quickly branched out into their own products. Then, in 1923, they stepped into the nearly sacrilegious effort of distilling a Single Malt Whisky in Japan. Since then, Suntory has expanded through home grown brands and the acquisition of established business around the world. They produce dozens of whiskeys, beers, liqueurs, and soft drinks that span the globe.
Suntory owns and operates dozens of distilleries. But the Chita Distillery is perhaps their most secretive. We do know a few things though. It is their “grain” distillery — meaning that it is used for making whole grain (non-malted) spirits from wheat, rye, and some barley. We also know that nearly all of its production goes into Suntory blends — especially some of their higher-priced, premium offerings. But Suntory The Chita Single Grain Whisky is the first stand-alone Whisky that reflects the true nature of this hidden, exotic place. And it is a savory, sweet, and lovely place indeed.
Smartass Corner:
Suntory really tries to keep this distillery away from public view. In fact, it was reported that when a local Whisky blogger in Japan was making a map of all the distilleries in Japan, an executive at Suntory called and asked him to keep Chita off the map.
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Category
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StyleSingle Grain Japanese Whisky
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RegionAichi Prefecture
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CountryJapan
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Alcohol43%
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DistilleryChita Distillery
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AgeNAS
Flavour Spiral™
About The Flavour Spiral
mango
grain
honey
lemon
sweet
caramel
orange zest
grape
savoury
What does Suntory The Chita Whisky taste like?
The Flavour Spiral™ shows the most common flavours that you'll taste in Suntory The Chita Whisky and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavour Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
The Flavour Spiral™ shows the most common flavours that you'll taste in Suntory The Chita Whisky and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavour Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass
Corner
Corner
Whisky or Whiskey? The spelling differs geographically. In Scotland, Japan and some other parts of the world distilleries usually spell it Whisky; in Ireland and USA they spell it Whiskey.
Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Warm gold.
Nose / Aroma / Smell
Mango, lemon meringue, and toffee pudding.
Flavor / Taste / Palate
Light with a chewy mouth-feel and notes of mango, grape must, orange-blossom honey, and roasted grain.
Finish
Tender, sweet chocolate with orange zest.
Warm gold.
Nose / Aroma / Smell
Mango, lemon meringue, and toffee pudding.
Flavor / Taste / Palate
Light with a chewy mouth-feel and notes of mango, grape must, orange-blossom honey, and roasted grain.
Finish
Tender, sweet chocolate with orange zest.
This drink is featured in
Whisky's Big In Japan
Whisky from the land of the rising sun
Whisk(e)y
More drinks we think you'll like
$33.99
$180.99
Ratings & Reviews
Jim,
Enjoyed this light, sweet whiskey. Has a a pronounced citrus vibe, with obvious hints of sherry and honey.
Kay,
If you're already a whisky drinker, you need to throw what you know out of the window. This whisky will give you aromas and flavors you never expect. It has a sweetness reminiscent of a well made dessert--not at all cloying and seasoned just right. This whisky has a surprising amount of body and thickness to the mouthfeel. The finish leaves much to be desired as I expected more of an exclamation rather than a tapering off of already existing flavors. I'd liken it to the experience of seeing one great ball of fireworks with no follow up. If you like a super long, complex finish, this one definitely isn't for you. But if you like an incredibly smooth, elegant and easy to drink whisky, then this will be perfect for you. Definitely a crowd pleaser.
Trista,
Sweet, with a bit. Wanting more body.
Martin,
Interesting woodsy lemon aroma. Light flavor with a long citrus aftertaste. Great for sipping in the evening. Very little bite on the opening taste. A great sipping whisky. I certainly enjoyed it.
Michael,
Nose is very light with lemon zest and banana being most apparent. Flavors are bright and candy-sweet up front, before progressing into almost tropical fruit notes (I'm noticing fruitiness as a common theme in Japanese Whisky.) Prominent grain-y flavors come in before the finish, which is medium long, dry and just a touch tart. Mouth-feel is slightly oily. This one was a bit of a head-scratcher for me... It's very outside the profile I usually associate with 'whisky,' (or 'whiskey' for that matter). It's well made and quite unique, but probably not a go-to for me. I do think it could be very interesting as a mixer.
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