Akkeshi Daikan Blended Whisky 2022 / 24th Season

Volume: 700ml / ABV: 48%

Akkeshi Daikan blended whisky is a distinctive spirit from the Akkeshi Distillery, located in Hokkaido, Japan. This whisky is part of the "24 Sekki" series, which draws inspiration from the ancient Japanese lunar calendar. Each whisky in this series represents one of the 24 solar seasons, with Daikan marking the 24th and final season, symbolising the peak of winter.

Akkeshi Daikan is a half-Japanese blend, prominently featuring peated malt that constitutes over 50% of the blend. This malt is distilled on-site at the Akkeshi Distillery. The blend also includes imported New Pot Grain, which has been aged for more than three years in the distillery's cellar, situated on a hill overlooking Akkeshi Bay.

Tasting Note

Nose

The aroma of Akkeshi Daikan is rich and inviting, with initial notes of orange tea and brown sugar, complemented by a subtle hint of strawberry. This leads to a deeper complexity with medicinal peat, iodine, and earthy tones reminiscent of seaweed.

Palate

On the palate, this whisky presents a vibrant citrus profile, featuring flavours of grapefruit, mandarin, yuzu, orange, and lemon. This citrus burst is balanced with a touch of salty peat, adding a unique depth to the flavor profile. The palate also detects hints of pepper, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, enhancing the whisky's spicy character.

Finish

The finish of Akkeshi Daikan is long and rewarding, marked by spicy notes of white pepper and the bitterness of cocoa. This transitions into a sweet aftertaste of chocolate, providing a pleasant and surprising end to the tasting experience.

Akkeshi Daikan is a well-crafted whisky that embodies the cold and serene essence of the Daikan season, offering whisky enthusiasts a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the robust character of peated malts.