Suntory Whisky "The Chita": Flavor Profile, Drinking Tips, and Where to Buy

Get to know Suntory's The Chita Whisky: Characteristics and Flavor

Suntory's The Chita whisky is crafted at the Chita Distillery, located on the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, south of Nagoya City. It's made primarily from grain malt, with corn as the main ingredient.

Grain whisky is typically used as a base in blended whiskies to create balance, but The Chita distinguishes itself as a single grain whisky, crafted solely from grain whisky produced at the Chita Distillery. This allows you to experience a unique harmony that reflects Suntory’s decades of expertise and innovation in crafting grain-based spirits.

Difference between grain whisky and malt whisky

Whisky is usually made from a blend of grain-based and malt-based spirits, each made with distinct ingredients and production methods. Grain-based spirits are produced from malted barley and other grains, such as corn, which are fermented before being distilled in a column still. This distillation process yields a raw spirit characterized by its subtle aromatic profile and lack of pronounced flavors. Grain whiskies made solely from grain-based spirits are often called "silent spirits" due to their lighter, milder taste.

Malt-based spirits, on the other hand, are made by fermenting malted barley and is typically distilled twice in a copper pot still. This method distills not only alcohol but also other components, resulting in a malt whisky with a rich, complex aroma. Like grain whiskies, malt whiskies are aged in casks, but the influence of the oak barrels often gives malt whiskies a bold, distinctive character, earning them the nickname "loud spirits."

When grain and malt whiskies are combined, the result is "blended whisky." In the blending process, the grain-based spirit plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors while enhancing the unique traits of the malt-based spirit.

Suntory's The Chita Whisky: Production method, characteristics, and taste

Grain whisky tends to have a straightforward flavor, but The Chita stands out by skilfully blending various spirits to create a balanced and endlessly enjoyable flavor. The Chita Distillery produces three types of grain spirits: a clean type with subtle sweetness, a medium type with a smooth texture and grain-forward flavor, and a heavy type with a bold grain aroma and rich complexity.

For aging, the distillery uses a variety of oak barrels, including those previously used for wine and sherry, which add depth and a range of nuanced flavors to the whisky. By blending these distinct spirits, The Chita achieves a slightly sweet fragrance, a light and approachable character, and the signature aroma of whisky cask aging.

Best ways to enjoy Suntory's The Chita Whisky

The Chita whisky is best enjoyed as a highball, a refreshing cocktail made by mixing whisky with sparkling water. This preparation highlights the whisky’s barrel-aged characteristics while adding a crisp, easy-to-drink quality.

To make a Chita highball, fill a glass with ice, pour in the whisky, and stir gently with a muddler. Next, carefully add 3.5 times the amount of chilled sparkling water, avoiding direct contact with the ice to maintain carbonation. Finish with a single, straight stir to preserve the bubbles.

The light and subtle flavor of The Chita pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine, complementing delicate flavors without overwhelming them. For a creative twist, add garnishes like sudachi (citrus fruit,) ginger, or sansho (Japanese pepper.)

If you’d like to savor the whisky’s aroma more deeply, try it oyu-wari, a method that involves adding hot water to whisky in a 2.5:1 ratio. This technique enhances the whisky’s warmth and aromatic profile for a comforting experience.

3 whiskies from the Chita Distillery

The grain spirit produced at the Chita Distillery is also combined with malt spirits from other distilleries to create blended whiskies. The Chita Distillery's grain spirit brings out the unique qualities of malt spirits, resulting in a well-balanced blend with a smoother, more refined mouthfeel. Below are some blended whiskies that feature the grain spirit from the Chita Distillery.

Suntory Hibiki: The company's best blended whisky

Suntory Hibiki is a whisky created to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Suntory's founding, showcasing the company's experience and craftsmanship. It ranks among the finest of Suntory's blended whiskies. The final decisions on its flavor profile are made exclusively by the founding family’s master blenders.

Thanks to Suntory’s dedication, Hibiki has gained international acclaim and won numerous prestigious awards. Made with distinctive malt spirits carefully selected from two other Suntory distilleries, Hibiki’s harmonious blend owes much to the grain spirits from the Chita Distillery, which help bring all the flavors together.

Suntory Kakubin: A blended whisky and best-seller since 1937

Suntory's Kakubin has a long-standing history among other Japanese whiskies and has been a popular choice since its debut in 1937. The bottle, known for its distinctive tortoise-shell pattern and square shape, earned the nickname Kakubin ("square bottle,") which later became its official name.

Kakubin is a blend of malt spirits aged in bourbon barrels from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, two of Suntory's three distilleries, combined with grain spirits from the Chita Distillery to create a well-balanced flavor. With its sweet aroma, rich body, and dry finish, Kakubin, like The Chita, is highly recommended for enjoying as a highball.

Suntory Old: A whisky for special occasions

Suntory Old is a whisky that was completed in 1940 and released in 1950, following World War II. It marked a departure from the low-quality domestic whiskies that were often criticized as imitation Scotch, and was positioned as "the pinnacle of domestic whisky."

With Japan’s rapid economic growth in the postwar era, Suntory Old became a symbol of celebration, often associated with promotions and special occasions. It began appearing in Japanese restaurants that had never before served whisky. Over time, the blend of Suntory Old was refined, with the addition of more sherry cask-aged spirits to enhance its smoothness.

The Chita Distillery's grain spirit also plays a significant role in shaping its flavor. The iconic round, black bottle of Suntory Old has remained unchanged since its launch and continues to be a beloved classic.

Whisky shopping in Japan: Where to find the best souvenirs

Suntory's The Chita is available at liquor stores, larger supermarkets, and online, though availability may vary by location. Most stores carry the 700-ml bottle, while convenience stores offer an exclusive 180-ml size. The Chita's label, made from traditional washi paper, adds a typical Japanese touch, making it an ideal souvenir from Japan.

Pair Suntory's The Chita Whisky with a casual meal

Suntory’s The Chita is light and easy to drink, yet it offers the rich aroma of oak cask aging. Its versatility is what makes it so appealing—whether enjoyed with a meal or savored on its own for a refined whisky experience, it suits any occasion.

Even those who don’t typically drink whisky will find it enjoyable in a highball. When you visit Japan, be sure to try Suntory's unique single-grain whisky, crafted from a variety of grains, and enjoy it in any fashion you like.

*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.