Suntory Chita Review
The Chita is a delectable and light single malt from Suntory. Although some claim the finish is too light for their tastes, this is a favourite for those who enjoy clean, refreshing whiskies. You’ll find the Chita firmly in the delicate/ light section of any whisky flavour map.
If you are new to Japanese whisky and enjoy Glenlivet Founders Reverse single malt, add this to your shopping list. Both have an airy feel and creamy, buttery finish. Luckily for us clean-whisky lovers, Chita is one of Suntory’s most accessible whiskies here in the UK. You can find it in most Waitrose stores and good independent merchants.
Fun Facts about Suntory Chita:
• Created in 2015 by Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo
• Named after its distillery on the coastal Chita peninsula
• Aged in wine, Spanish oak & American white oak casks
• Has won a multiple awards, including 2015 Gold International Spirits award, and ‘the best Japanese grain whisky’ 2008 World Whisky Award.
Suntory Chita – Neat
You can tell just from its light gold colour that this whisky will be light and delicate.
Nose – Clear, crisp notes of honey and sweet melon
Palate – definite grape flavour (presumably from the wine casks). There is also a slight honeyed-grain taste. Think honey nut Cherrios. Seriously.
Suntory Chita – Water Drops
Adding a couple of water drop can bring out a whisky’s flavours and scent.
Nose – The grape and melon scent is more profound, but now the caramel and oak wood scents have awakened.
Palate – Mm. It has such a crème brulee taste, I want to get a spoon and crack the caramelised crown.
Suntory Chita – Half Rock
Nose – The ice has brought out more caramel but now has a distinct floral fragrance. Rose, honeysuckle and orange blossom.
Palate – The taste is much creamier than before, with hints of butterscotch and cereal milk (re. honey nut Cheerios. Really. I swear.)
Suntory Chita – Mizuwari
(A Japanese highball, with 2 parts water)
Nope. No. Not even gonna try it. This whisky is light as it is, and a mizuwari would deplete most of the flavour. If this is your favourite MO, please go ahead and try. Let me know what you think.
Verdict:
Shinji Fukuyo, you sly fox. Although airy and as delicate as the wings of a butterfly, the Chita is deceptively seductive. I highly recommend the Suntory Chita for all those who enjoy clean, sweet whiskies.
Want to know more about Suntory whisky? Read more Japanese whisky blogs and reviews with Kanpai Drinks.
