White Oak Akashi was founded in 1888 on the site of Eigashima in the city of Akashi. White Oak distillery was the first in Japan to obtain the license of distilled spirits in 1919 and according to legend would consequently be the first to distil whisky. Production remained traditional and reserved for the Japanese market until 1984 with the construction of a new distillery specially dedicated to the distillation of whisky. Located near the sea, and the city of Kobe, the distillery is enjoying a mild and stable climate. Forbes Magazine: “Top 10 Japanese Whiskies to Try Now. “White Oak Akashi - an easy to drink blend with chocolate, honey, and fruit flavours.” Nose: Fruity, slightly sweet, vanilla. Taste: Fresh, spice, oak, hints of peat. Finish: Medium, spicy, sweet. Age: 7 years

Akashi Blue is a blended whisky reserved in Japanese Shochu cask (American Oak) around 2 years, aged in bourbon cask before finishing in sherry casks for 1 years. Nose: Fruity, slightly sweet, vanilla. Taste: Fresh, spice, oak, hints of peat. Finish: Medium, spicy, sweet.

Akashi whisky is the only whisky in the world that is made by a Toji (grand-master in the art of sake making) by implementing sake-making methodologies into the whisky making process. The distil pot used is smaller than those used by both Scottish and other Japanese distilleries, which in turn, decreases the levels of fusel alcohol. As a result, Akashi whisky does not require as long of an ageing process, while its core malt (cask strength) is smooth and delicate.

Distilled at the White Oak distillery in Hyogo, this release is part of the Akashi range that they produce. This expression was laid down to mature for eight years in sake casks before being bottled at 61% abv. In the oak casks used for aging white wines in Japanese wineries, Togouchi matured Sake (junmai-shu) brewed by them, and then used the Sake Cask to wood finish for Togouchi whisky. A light fruit scent and a moderate acidity derived from white wine and Sake, a sweetness like brown sugar derived from wood finish, the harmony of sweet taste with mellow fruity aroma are enjoyable. Color: Golden color Nose: Ester, Fruity