Suntory Chita Review

Single grain whisky is a category most people overlook, and Chita is one of the best-known examples. It comes from a distillery on the Chita Peninsula in Japan, and it’s a sibling of the Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies. It’s a blend base more than a bottle, though Suntory sells it as a single grain too.

I wanted to try it as a stand-alone drink.

What it is

Chita is made at the Chita distillery in Aichi Prefecture, on Japan’s coast, and it’s owned by Suntory. The Chita Single Grain Whisky is made mostly from corn, in column stills, and aged in a mix of casks including ex-bourbon, wine and Mizunara. It’s bottled at 43%, with no age statement.

The distillery’s whisky is used in blends such as Hibiki and Toki, and the single grain bottle shows what it tastes like on its own. The style is light, soft and creamy, with a gentle sweetness.

In the glass

I tried it neat, in a small glass, on a quiet evening. I expected something soft and gentle, and I got that.

Nose: vanilla and cream, with light fruit and a hint of wood. It smells soft and sweet, like a vanilla custard on a wooden table. Nothing sharp.

Palate: soft and creamy. Vanilla and honey come first, then light oak and a touch of spice. It’s very smooth and quite delicate, with a thin body. It’s very easy to drink, and the flavours are gentle.

Finish: medium, soft and gently sweet. The vanilla lingers. A drop of water kept it smooth, and ice made it very mild.

A second glass

I poured another glass the next evening, and it was just as gentle. It’s a whisky that works best when you’re not trying too hard.

How I would drink it

Neat or over a big cube, or in a highball with soda. It’s very good in a highball, because the lightness lets the soda shine. It’s a delicate whisky, and it doesn’t take well to strong mixers.

Against the other grain whiskies

Compared with Nikka Coffey Grain, it’s lighter and less creamy. Compared with Haig Club, it’s more elegant. Compared with Compass Box Hedonism, it’s lighter and cheaper. It’s among the most delicate of the single grains.

Against Jameson, it’s lighter and less rich. It’s smooth in a similar way, and I’d say Jameson has more body.

Value

I paid about $65 for a 700 ml bottle. That’s a bit high for a no-age-statement grain whisky, and it’s a fair price for Japanese whisky now.

Who it is for

It’s for people who like light, creamy, delicate whisky, and for highballs. It’s a good gift. If you want depth, there are better choices.

A very gentle whisky

The most striking thing about Chita is how gentle it is. It’s like a whisky with the volume turned down. That suits some evenings, and it’s not the one for a night when you want a bit of energy. I had a small glass and I felt calm.

As a highball

As a highball, it was lovely. The creamy sweetness survives the soda, and the drink is light and refreshing. I’d say that’s the best way to enjoy it.

A second look

I tried it neat with a few drops of water the next evening, and it was nicer. The vanilla and the honey were easier to find, and the finish was soft. It’s a delicate whisky that likes a bit of care.

Pairing and serving

A plate of sashimi or sushi and a tall highball make a good partner, and the delicate, creamy whisky suits the clean flavours. It’s an elegant combination, and one I’d happily repeat.

What the price buys

At about $55 you get a soft, creamy Japanese grain whisky. It is a bit expensive for what it is, and the flavour is delicate. It makes a very good highball, and a very elegant gift.

Who should skip it

If you want a rich, powerful whisky, this is too light. Chita is gentle and quiet, and the finish is short. A drinker who loves bold flavour will be bored.

Last word

Suntory Chita is a light, creamy, delicate single grain that’s best as a highball. It’s pricey for what it is, and I’d happily accept a glass if offered. I’d choose Nikka Coffey Grain for the money.

Verdict

Maybe. It’s lovely and light, and I’d choose Nikka Coffey Grain for a bit more. I’d buy it for highballs.