Akkeshi 2022 Seimei Peated Single Malt

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 55% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Seimei combines peated and unpeated malt whiskies, with a greater emphasis on bourbon-cask-matured components than in earlier releases. Sherry and red wine casks, together with casks made from Hokkaido Mizunara oak, complete the maturation mix. The single malt combines honey and citrus fruit with light smoke, sea salt and an impression of lemon cream.

As the seventh release in the 24 Seki Series, Seimei celebrates nature awakening after winter. The series draws on the 24 seasonal divisions of the traditional East Asian solar calendar. Returning swallows on the label represent this transition to spring. The 2022 release is offered at 55% in a bottle containing 0.7 litres, with gift packaging.

The whisky is bottled without chill filtration or added colouring.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, caramel fudge, vanilla and Manuka honey combine with citrus notes. Soy sauce and a salty maritime note complement the sweet aromas.
• Palate: On the palate, the sweetness and acidity of citrus fruit meet honey.
• Finish: White pepper and salted lemon linger on the finish. Bitter citrus notes sit alongside a sweetness reminiscent of chocolate.

Distillery/Bottler:

Akkeshi Distillery began distilling on Hokkaido in 2016. Its surroundings are characterised by wet coastal landscapes, peatlands and frequent sea fog. The distillery combines Scottish production methods with the conditions of northern Japan. Its water comes from the Homakai River and passes through peat layers in the surrounding wetlands.

The Scottish company Forsyths supplied the mash tun and the two onion-shaped pot stills. Akkeshi uses six stainless steel vessels without temperature control for fermentation; the team assesses its progress and decides when to move on to the next stage. Maturation takes place in two traditional dunnage warehouses and a racked warehouse near Akkeshi Bay that has been in use since February 2018. Alongside bourbon and sherry casks, the distillery selects Mizunara casks and also works with wine and rum casks.

Facts: