Why Is "The Game 7th Edition" Sought After by Collectors? Shinanoya Limited to 260 Bottles
This "The Game 7th Edition" is a limited-edition single malt, a collaboration between Chichibu and Japanese whisky retailer Shinanoya, with only 260 bottles worldwide. It represents a significant turning point: previously, The Game series used raw spirits from the closed Hanyu distillery, but the 7th edition marked the first time Chichibu's own distillery's raw spirits were used, effectively starting a new chapter for the entire series. Coupled with the rare Madeira Hogshead and its status as a Shinanoya 10th-anniversary commemorative release, these are rare conditions for sellers.
Chichibu and Shinanoya: The Two Names Behind Cask Selection
The Chichibu Distillery began production in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, in 2008. Founder Ichiro Akuto has built it into a representative of a new generation of Japanese whisky, with limited production and frequently a target for collectors. Shinanoya, a veteran Japanese whisky merchant, is renowned for its private bottlings' keen eye in cask selection. This particular whisky originated in July 2017 when Shinanoya's spirits buyer, Mr. Kitakaji, personally visited Chichibu and, together with Ichiro Akuto and the brand ambassador, selected this cask from multiple samples. Therefore, it is a single malt, single cask bottling – once sold out, the same liquid will not be available again.
Chichibu The Game 7th Edition Product Specifications
| Specification Item | Content |
| Product Name | Ichiro's Malt The Game 7th Edition |
| Distillery | Chichibu Distillery |
| Bottler | Shinanoya |
| Distilled Year | 2011 |
| Bottled Year | 2019 |
| Cask Type | Madeira Hogshead |
| Alcohol Content | 61.3% (Cask Strength) |
| Limited Bottles | 260 bottles |
| Label Theme | Ancient Egyptian game "Senet" |
Why Can It Command a Strong Resale Price?
- Rare Madeira Cask: Chichibu is daring in experimenting with various cask types, but Madeira casks are quite rare in single cask bottlings, with only one previous release. Madeira casks impart a sweet and rich style, and paired with 61.3% cask strength, this is a version not commonly encountered in the market.
- Sourced by Shinanoya: The cask was personally selected by Shinanoya's spirits buyer, who visited the distillery and collaborated with Ichiro Akuto. The clear provenance of the cask selection forms the basis of trust for this whisky.
- "Puzzle-solving" Label: The Game series labels are always a collecting hotspot. The 7th edition, with Senet as its theme, features hidden clues on the label pointing to the next edition. This continuity enhances its circulation and in the secondary market.
Factors Affecting Valuation of Chichibu The Game 7th Edition
| Assessment Item | Optimal Condition | Common Deductions |
| Label (Senet design) | Front and back labels flat, no stains, no fading. | Torn, moldy, blurred text. |
| Capsule | Capsule intact, no cracks, no tampering. | Damaged, cracked, signs of leakage. |
| Liquid Level | Liquid level at the neck, slight evaporation. | Dropped to shoulder or lower. |
| Outer Box and Accessories | Original box intact, complete and matching serial numbers. | Missing box, damaged box, non-matching serial numbers. |
Steps to Verify Chichibu The Game 7th Edition Before Transaction
- Get a preliminary valuation for Chichibu The Game 7th Edition with photos: Take clear photos of the front, back label, liquid level, capsule, and box certificate. Send them via WhatsApp to 46135750. The approximate price is usually determined from these photos.
- How to set the price for Chichibu The Game 7th Edition: After receiving the photos, we first check if the Chichibu The Game 7th Edition is unopened and original, then price it based on the version, condition, and recent transactions that buyers usually consider, avoiding a rough estimate based solely on the whisky name.
- Arranging the transaction for Chichibu The Game 7th Edition: If it's inconvenient to visit our store, we can arrange an on-site verification for Chichibu The Game 7th Edition. After confirming the version and condition, payment can be completed on the spot.
Common Details Buyers Ask About Chichibu The Game 7th Edition
Q: I don't have time to visit the store. Can I get a valuation for Chichibu The Game 7th Edition based on photos first?
A: Yes, you can. If the photos are clear, we can initially distinguish the version and approximate price. Before the actual transaction, we will re-verify with the physical bottle.
Q: What is the significance of a small release of 260 bottles for selling?
A: Smaller releases and tighter circulation tend to support transaction prices. The 7th edition itself is a limited single cask, and it's the first time Chichibu's own raw spirit was used, making it particularly noteworthy in the market.
Q: Will the 61.3% cask strength affect the valuation direction?
A: It will not be a deduction. Cask strength, single cask, and rare cask types are all preferred conditions for collectors when evaluating. Our team will factor these into the potential selling range.
Q: I also have other Chichibu "Leaf Series" (Red Leaf, Gold Leaf, etc.). Can I get them valued together?
A: Yes, you can. We purchase all Chichibu products, including the Leaf series and various single cask limited editions. Prices vary for different versions, so it's safer to send us photos of everything for comparison.
If you have a Chichibu The Game 7th Edition you wish to sell, please take clear photos of the bottle, back label, liquid level, and box certificate, and send them via WhatsApp to 46135750. With complete information, the quote will usually be closer to the actual transaction price.
Chichibu The Game 7th Edition Similar Market References
Similar references for Chichibu The Game 7th Edition:Chichibu 2012 Single Cask,Chichibu 2013 Single Bourbon Barrel,Chichibu 2009 Single Malt Whisky / Hanyu 2000 Single Malt Hong Kong.
The valuation of Chichibu's various vintages, label versions, and cask types can vary significantly. Before selling, it's advisable to compare the following models:
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