Dram x Chichibu: A 100-Bottle Punk-Whisky Tribute from Soho to Japan

London’s whisky scene just turned up the volume. In a bold new collaboration, Soho’s Dram cocktail bar and Japan’s renowned Chichibu Distillery have joined forces to release a rare, peated whisky that speaks to both craftsmanship and counterculture. With only 100 bottles available exclusively at Dram, this limited-edition drop is already making waves among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Dram x Chichibu Peated Concerto Barley Cask Whisky

Released in mid-June 2025, the Dram x Chichibu bottling is a result of a creative partnership between the newly opened Dram bar and Chichibu’s UK distributor, Speciality Drinks. Recognized for its contribution to London’s whisky culture, Dram was handpicked for this exclusive release. Priced at £330 (US$440), this 59.4% ABV single malt comes adorned with tattoo-inspired artwork celebrating punk legend Steve Jones and Soho’s rebellious spirit.

• Product Name: Dram x Chichibu Peated Concerto Barley Cask Whisky
• Brand Collaboration: Dram (UK) × Chichibu Distillery (Japan)
• Category: Single Malt Whisky
• Country: Japan
• Region: Saitama Prefecture
• Distillery: Chichibu
• Age: Not Disclosed
• Style: Peated Japanese Single Malt
• ABV: 59.4%
• Launch Date: June 2025
• Price: £330 / US$440
• Availability: 100 bottles, exclusive to Dram, Soho, London
• Packaging: Label artwork by Raj Chavda featuring a coiled snake, skull, swallows, rose, and Gibson guitar

Tasting Notes

• Appearance / Color: Deep golden amber with a rich, oily sheen
• Nose / Aroma / Smell: Earthy smoke, grilled stone fruits, salted caramel, and warm vanilla
• Flavour / Taste / Palate: Bold peat wrapped in layers of dark chocolate, charred oak, citrus peel, and dried herbs
• Finish: Long, smoky, and slightly spicy with lingering sweetness and a mineral edge

Key Highlights

This one-off bottling isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a snapshot of global whisky innovation.

• Purpose: Celebrate cross-cultural creativity and London’s whisky culture
• Features & Benefits:
  • Hand-selected peated concerto barley cask
  • High ABV (59.4%) for concentrated flavor
  • Designed for whisky collectors and punk-rock romantics
  • Exclusive availability creates instant rarity appeal
  • Tattoo-inspired label links tradition, music, and subculture
• USP: One of Chichibu’s smallest casks, limited to only 100 bottles worldwide

Final Overview

Martyn ‘Simo’ Simpson, co-founder of Dram, shared: “This project represents the best of collaboration in the drinks industry: shared values, shared creativity, and a shared appreciation for truly great whisky.”

While full reviews are still emerging, early tasters have praised its complex layering of peat and sweetness—calling it “a whisky that dares to stand out, just like the artwork on the bottle.”

FAQs

Q1: Can I buy the Dram x Chichibu whisky online?
No, it’s only available for purchase directly at Dram, Soho.

Q2: Is this a collectible release?
Absolutely. With only 100 bottles made, it’s a must-have for collectors.

Q3: What makes this Chichibu cask special?
It’s drawn from one of the distillery’s rarest, smallest peated concerto barley casks—making it a highly unique expression.