The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky 43% 700ml

The Chita is a landmark expression from the House of Suntory — the first single grain whisky to emerge from Suntory's celebrated Chita Distillery, located on the misty, calm shores of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, right in the heart of Japan. Established in 1972 by Keizo Saji, Suntory's second Master Blender, the Chita Distillery was built with a singular purpose — to create the highest quality Japanese grain whisky to serve as the invisible backbone of Suntory's prestigious blended expressions, including Hibiki. For over four decades, the grain whiskies produced at Chita served this supporting role quietly and without fanfare. The Chita Single Grain Whisky, introduced in September 2015 under the creative direction of Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, finally brings this exceptional liquid into the spotlight and allows it to stand confidently on its own merits.

Unlike conventional grain whisky distilleries that produce a single grain spirit, Chita operates with a sophisticated continuous multiple-column distillation process that yields three distinct types of grain whisky, all produced primarily from corn. In crafting The Chita, Fukuyo drew on this diversity and aged the selected whiskies across three different cask types — American white oak, Spanish oak, and wine casks — an unusually ambitious maturation strategy for a grain whisky that delivers a subtlety and sophistication the category rarely achieves. The result is what Fukuyo himself describes as the serenity of Japanese whisky — an expression of quiet confidence, sublime smoothness, and layered elegance that makes it equally at home sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a perfectly crafted Highball. Bottled at 43% ABV, it is presented in a beautiful indigo gift box with traditional Japanese calligraphy.

Tasting Notes
Bright gold in the glass. The nose is delicate and beautifully refined — crème brûlée, cardamom, acacia honey, and blossoming rose, with a gentle sweetness that is immediately captivating without ever being overpowering. The palate is mild, smooth, and elegantly layered — deep honey, vanilla, a hint of fresh mint, sweet citrus, and honeydew melon, with a creamy, syrupy texture that belies the whisky's lighter grain origins. The finish is clean, clear, and lingering — spiced oak and subtle bittersweet notes fading gracefully, leaving a sense of serene satisfaction.

Serves Best With
Exceptional in a Japanese Highball — pour 45ml over a glass filled with large ice cubes, top with chilled sparkling water at a 1:3 ratio, and stir gently just once. Also outstanding neat or on the rocks, where its delicate complexity can be appreciated without distraction. Pairs beautifully with light Japanese cuisine, fresh sashimi, seafood, or delicate desserts with honey and vanilla character.