Lightly peated single malt whisky distilled by Akkeshi Distillery in Akkeshi, Japan • 7th release from 24 Sekki series • Produced using sourced and locally grown Hokkaido barley • Water sourced from the Homakai River; filtered through a layer of peat • Distilled in Forsyths copper pot stills • Non-age statement; primarily aged in ex-bourbon casks with sherry, red wine, and a small percentage of locally grown Mizunara oak casks • A nose full of confection and umami delivers caramel fudge, vanilla, and tamari; a rich, sweet palate showcases Akkeshi single malt with manuka honey, white pepper, and salted preserved lemon; chocolate and lingering ocean tide on the finish • Bottled in 2022; limited US release of only 492 bottles • 55% ABV
The 24 Japanese Sekki are days that divide the solar year into 24 equal micro seasons. Seimei, roughly translated as “radiance of pure life,” begins around April 4th as winter fades and budding life returns to nature. The striking label, adorned with swallows returning north after winter migration, is colored blue and green to represent the refreshed environment.