Akashi

Complex aging equals a complex Whisky.

Japan is a magical land, protected by the ocean, far away from everything we know and even understand. Solitude means purity. The purity of water, earth, and sky. Solitude also means purity of Spirit. Eigashima Distillery, located in the town of Akashi, just a stone’s throw away from Kobe Bay, is molded by these elements. Here, a couple of feet from the ocean, the owner’s family have been making Spirits for centuries. Eigashima Shuzo also holds Japan’s first Whisky license, issued all the way back in 1919, but to this day remains one of the country’s smallest Whisky producers. Quality over quantity is the motto. This is where we speak the same language.

Because even though some particularities remain lost in translation, we recognize quality when we see it. You see, Akashi Whisky is something special. The current copper pot stills were pressed into service a couple of decades ago, and that’s when focus on premium Whiskies began. Since this is the closest Whisky distillery to the coast, the ocean-laden air is reflected in the Whisky’s savory, saline driven purity. The impact of the local climate makes it a unique atmosphere to mature Whisky, with huge temperature differences between seasons. Nothing is left to chance. The distillery dedicates its whole meticulous production process to make the smoothest, most sippable Spirit possible. Worthy of its name and tradition. If you’re looking for a gateway into the wonderful world of Japanese Whisky, this would be a good place to start.

Akashi Blue Label Japanese Blended Whisky was aged for 2 years in American white oak casks that previously held Shochu. Then, came the finish in Sherry casks and Bourbon casks, which imparted extra complexity on this unique Whisky. Prepare for juicy flavors of citrus and cinnamon with hints of smoky notes shining through.