Chichibu Zuma Roka 8 Years Old 2013

Chichibu distillery in Saitama produces a stream of single-cask event bottlings alongside its retail releases, often named to mark specific occasions or collaborations. The Zuma Roka release from the 2013 vintage is one such event expression, bottled at eight years of age in 2021 from a single Ex-Bourbon barrel under the Venture Whisky company.

Eight years in American oak has given the spirit the layered Ex-Bourbon character Chichibu does well: fresh orchard and tropical fruit from the new make, vanilla and light caramel from the seasoned wood, and a gentle cereal warmth that defines the house style. At 59.5% cask strength, the delivery is concentrated and true to the cask, with the wood and spirit well-integrated after nearly a decade of Saitama seasons. The finish is warm, clean and persistent, with fruit and vanilla lingering together.