Founder
Ichiro Akuto
Founder, Chichibu Distillery and Venture Whisky
- Discipline
- Founder
Made By record
Awards & recognition
2 total
verified records
Portrait of Ichiro Akuto
i. Biography
Coming Up
At Tokyo University of Agriculture, Ichiro Akuto trained in the discipline that underpins his work in Japanese whisky: precision applied before scale, and technique treated as a foundation rather than an afterthought.
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Where They Are Now
In Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, the work is carried by Venture Whisky, where Ichiro Akuto serves as Master Blender and president, and by Chichibu Distillery, which he founded and masterminded.
Signature
The named releases tied to Ichiro Akuto are Card series, Ichiro's Malt & Grain, Ichiro's Malt Chichibu Single Cask No. 3867, and Act.
In Their Words “That determination to do things right extends to whisky.”
FAQ
Asked of Ichiro
What is Ichiro Akuto's current role?
As of 2026, Ichiro Akuto is Master Blender and President.
Where did Ichiro Akuto train or study?
Ichiro Akuto trained at Tokyo University of Agriculture.
What recognition has Ichiro Akuto received?
World Whiskies Awards, first prize in the Japanese single malt single class category (2016).
Explore
The Sunday email
Get new Made By stories every Sunday.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.