Akashi 7 Year Old Bourbon Barrel is a rare Japanese single malt from Eigashima Shuzo's White Oak Distillery, aged seven years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 50% ABV. It is the oldest Akashi release in the US, limited to just 492 bottles, and is non-chill filtered.
Eigashima Shuzo, on the coast of Hyogo near Akashi, is one of Japan's oldest licensed whisky makers. This single malt is made from 100% malted barley, lightly peated and double distilled in copper pot stills, and the first-fill bourbon barrels give it a rich American oak character balanced by the distillery's maritime charm.
On the nose come pecans, stewed strawberries, allspice and charred oak, with marzipan and a wisp of peat smoke. The palate brings clove, toasted black pepper and vanilla bean, with a touch of bourbon sweetness, grilled figs and cocoa powder. The finish offers honey-drizzled peaches, grilled figs and a hint of sea salt.
The bottle carries Akashi's bold calligraphy on an orange label and comes in a kraft gift box. It is a prized find for collectors of Japanese whisky.
With so few bottles released, it is a rare chance to taste mature Akashi single malt.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Pecans, stewed strawberries, allspice, charred oak and a wisp of peat.
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Palate: Clove, black pepper, vanilla bean, grilled figs and cocoa.
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Finish: Honey-drizzled peaches, figs and a hint of sea salt.
Specifications
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Producer: Eigashima Shuzo (White Oak Distillery)
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Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky, lightly peated
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Expression / Batch: Akashi 7 Year Old Bourbon Barrel, 492 bottles (US)
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Age: 7 years
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Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: First-fill ex-bourbon barrels
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Region: Akashi, Hyogo, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat or with a splash of chilled water. It pairs with grilled fish, peach desserts or salted nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Akashi?
Eigashima Shuzo's White Oak Distillery in Hyogo, Japan.
How is it matured?
Seven years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 50% ABV, non-chill filtered.
Explore more in our Japanese Whisky collection.
