Akashi Single Malt is a Japanese single malt whisky from Eigashima Shuzo, the small White Oak distillery on the coast near Kobe Bay, bottled at 46% ABV.
Founded in 1888, Eigashima Shuzo is one of Japan's smallest and most historically significant whisky producers, holding Japan's first whisky licence, issued in 1919. Its coastal climate on the Seto Inland Sea gives Akashi whiskies a unique briny quality that is especially apparent in this single malt.
It is made from 100% malted barley, lightly peated, and aged approximately five to eight years in a mix of casks including ex-bourbon, sherry and barley shochu casks, a blend of woods that gives the whisky its distinctly Japanese character.
The nose brings yellow apple, white chocolate and salted caramel with delicate peat. The palate is rich and layered, with sweet vanilla, orchard fruit, brown sugar and a subtle briny character, and the finish is long and buttery, with caramel, oak spice and gentle maritime salinity.
Enjoy it neat or with a drop of water, which unlocks the balance of fruit, caramel and salt.
Japanese single malt is made from malted barley, distilled in pot stills and matured in wood, much like Scotch, but Japanese distillers are known for their precision and for experimenting with unusual casks. Akashi’s use of shochu casks, which once held a traditional Japanese spirit, is a good example.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Yellow apple, white chocolate, salted caramel and light peat.
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Palate: Vanilla, orchard fruit, brown sugar and brine.
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Finish: Long and buttery, with caramel and sea salt.
Specifications
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Producer: Eigashima Shuzo (White Oak Distillery)
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Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
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Grain: 100% malted barley, lightly peated
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Age: About 5-8 years
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Proof / ABV: 92 proof (46% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Ex-bourbon, sherry and barley shochu casks
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Region: Akashi, Hyogo, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat or with a drop of water, or in a highball. It pairs with sushi, grilled fish or salted caramel desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Akashi?
Eigashima Shuzo, the White Oak distillery near Kobe Bay, founded in 1888.
Is it peated?
It is lightly peated.
Why is it briny?
The distillery's coastal climate on the Seto Inland Sea gives it a maritime character.
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