The Chita is a single grain Japanese whisky from Suntory's Chita Distillery in Aichi Prefecture, bottled at 43% ABV in a 700ml bottle. Distilled on the misty, calm shores of the Chita Peninsula, where Keizo Saji, Suntory's second master blender, built the distillery in 1972 specifically to craft the highest-quality Japanese grain whisky, it's matured in a mix of wine casks, Spanish oak and traditional American white oak for added complexity. Offering crème brûlée, cardamom and acacia honey character, it's mild, smooth and refined — a versatile single grain whisky equally suited to sipping neat or as the base for a classic Japanese highball.

The Chita Tasting Notes.

Nose: Crème brûlée, cardamom, acacia honey and blossoming rose, with a touch of mint.

Palate: Mild and smooth, with deep honey sweetness and a gentle minty lift.

Finish: Clean and clear, with spiced oak and subtle bittersweet notes.

Why Choose The Chita Whisky?

Most people associate Suntory with Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki, but Chita has quietly played a crucial supporting role in all of them for over 50 years — grain whisky is the "dashi," or broth, that underpins the balance and harmony in every Suntory blend, and Chita is where that foundation has been built since 1972. Created in 2016 by Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, The Chita was the House of Suntory's first-ever single grain expression released under its own name, giving whisky drinkers a rare chance to taste that foundational component on its own rather than only as a supporting player in a blend. Made entirely from corn, distilled through column stills and matured across a genuinely varied mix of wine casks, Spanish oak and American white oak, it develops more complexity and depth than typical grain whisky, while staying true to Fukuyo's own description of it as "the serenity of Japanese whisky." It's earned recognition too, including a Silver Medal at the International Spirit Challenge 2026. Suntory itself specifically highlights its versatility as a highball base — a classic way to enjoy whisky in Japan — while also holding up well neat for those who want to appreciate its delicate, honeyed character directly. A distinctive, approachable pick for whisky drinkers curious about Japanese grain whisky specifically, or for fans of the Hibiki and Yamazaki ranges wanting to explore where some of that signature smoothness actually comes from.

The Chita.

Chita Distillery was founded in 1972 by Keizo Saji, Suntory's second master blender, on the calm shores of the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with a singular focus on crafting the highest-quality Japanese grain whisky. For decades, the distillery's output served as the essential grain component underpinning Suntory's celebrated blended whiskies, including Hibiki, before The Chita was released as a standalone single grain expression in 2016. Meeting the standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association for labelling Japanese Whisky, The Chita represents the House of Suntory's commitment to showcasing every layer of its whisky-making craft, not just its more famous malt distilleries.