Akkeshi 2022 Single Malt Taisetsu

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

Special Features:

Taisetsu brings together four cask types: this single malt combines whiskies matured in Hokkaido Mizunara, ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks. Released in 2022, the limited edition was the ninth release in the 24-Sekki series. It was bottled at 55% and comes in a 0.7-litre bottle with gift packaging. The whisky is non-chill-filtered and contains no added colouring.

The peated composition combines wintry citrus notes with Darjeeling tea, honey cake and savoury umami.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, Hassaku orange, mandarin, orange and lemony nuances mingle with Darjeeling tea, honey and brown sugar. Violets add a floral accent.
• Palate: On the palate, sweet-and-sour orange and mandarin develop into peaty impressions with soy sauce, herbs and buttered bread.
• Finish: The long finish combines white pepper and lime zest with the sweetness of ripe mandarins and delicate spices.

Distillery/Bottler:

Akkeshi Distillery produces this single malt in Akkeshi on Hokkaido. Distillation began there in 2016. The coastal location has a cool, humid climate and frequent sea fog from the Bekan-Beushi wetlands. The distillery uses equipment from Scottish manufacturer Forsyths; its water comes from the Homakai River, which flows through the peat layers of the wetlands.

Its approach includes combining spirits from different production periods and different cask woods. Production steps and records are strictly controlled so that quality remains traceable throughout the long maturation period. The 24-Sekki series draws on the 24 seasonal divisions of the traditional Japanese calendar. Taisetsu means heavy snowfall and refers to the winter period when snow covers the plains and mountains and the days grow shorter.

Facts: