New Release: Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Ume Drift by Spirits of Salud

A Chichibu Release Inspired by the Ume Blossom

Spirits of Salud has released Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Ume Drift, the newest edition in its Signature Series. The whisky was selected by master blender Ichiro Akuto, matured in a Koshu white wine cask and bottled at cask strength of 61.2% ABV. Only 271 bottles were filled.

Ume Drift takes its name from the Japanese ume blossom, which Spirits of Salud describes as a symbol of renewal, subtlety and quiet strength. The idea behind the release is a balance between elegance and intensity, and it runs through both the whisky and its design.

Design and Presentation

The label is built around the blossom that gives the release its name. Gold ume flowers and flowing lines cross a dark background, framing the word whisky written in Japanese katakana. Below the artwork, a band carries the title The Artisan Flow, Ume Drift, while a lower panel pairs the Signature Series and Ichiro's Malt & Grain names with a hand written bottle number.

The bottle comes in a box that continues the theme, with copper plum blossoms and green flowing waves around a gold teardrop bearing the Spirits of Salud name.

Maturation and Flavor Profile

Ume Drift was matured in a Koshu white wine cask. Koshu is a white grape variety closely tied to Japanese winemaking, which gives the cask a direct link to the whisky's home country. The whisky was bottled in February 2026 at 61.2% ABV, and according to Spirits of Salud it reveals its character step by step.

The nose is complex and layered, with notes of smoke, citrus, stone fruit and subtle spices. On the palate, smoky influences and fruit forward notes are well balanced within a rich, layered structure. The finish is of medium length, slightly peppery, with a subtle bitterness. Spirits of Salud notes that a few drops of water open up the whisky and reveal additional depth and nuance.

About Spirits of Salud

Spirits of Salud is a creative design house based in Uden in the Netherlands that selects and bottles limited editions of fine spirits. Its releases are grouped into the Signature Series, the Legacy Collection and the Masterpiece Collection, which includes the 7 Gods of Fortune editions from Chichibu.

The Signature Series follows a simple promise: "One release. One signature." Each edition is shaped by the cask, the story and the choices of the house, with no standard releases. Earlier Signature editions include Symfonie Edition Allegro, Symfonie Edition Allargando and a Red Wine Cask bottling.

Release and Availability

Ume Drift is limited to 271 bottles of 700ml from Cask Nr.B0073, bottled at cask strength. Each label carries its own hand written bottle number.

Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Ume Drift is now available on Spiritory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Ume Drift?

It is a Signature Series release from Spirits of Salud, selected by master blender Ichiro Akuto, matured in a Koshu white wine cask and bottled at cask strength of 61.2% ABV.

How many bottles of Ume Drift were released?

Ume Drift is limited to 271 bottles of 700ml from Cask Nr.B0073.

What does Ume Drift taste like?

The nose shows smoke, citrus, stone fruit and subtle spices. The palate balances smoky influences with fruit forward notes, and the finish is medium in length, slightly peppery, with a subtle bitterness.

Should Ume Drift be tasted with water?

Spirits of Salud notes that a few drops of water open up the whisky and reveal additional depth and nuance.

Where does the name Ume Drift come from?

The name is inspired by the Japanese ume blossom, a symbol of renewal, subtlety and quiet strength.