[New] Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky Review 2024

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky Review 2024: The Eigashima Distillery is on the southern coast of Japan and has been making spirits for a long time.

However, it only started making whisky in the 1960s. It is a small distillery that produces whisky at certain times of the year.

Their main whisky is Akashi White Oak, which has 40% alcohol.

Sometimes, they release a special single malt version of White Oak with 46% alcohol.

This version has no added color and isn’t filtered, making it more natural.

These special releases are rare and often expensive, but smaller, more affordable bottles can sometimes be found in certain places.

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky Distillery

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky is made at the White Oak Distillery in Akashi, Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture.

This distillery is one of the oldest in Japan.

It started in 1888 as a sake and shochu producer under Eigashima Shuzo.

It got its whisky-making license in 1919, well before Japanese whisky became famous worldwide.

The White Oak Distillery focuses on traditional methods and careful attention to detail.

It combines Scottish whisky-making techniques with Japanese precision, creating a unique whisky.

Akashi whiskies are made in small batches to ensure high quality in every bottle.

The location of the distillery also affects the whisky’s flavor.

Akashi is near the Seto Inland Sea, which provides a mild and humid climate for aging whisky.

The sea breeze adds a hint of saltiness to the whisky’s taste.

The distillery uses top-quality malted barley and pure mountain water, giving the whisky a clean and authentic flavor.

White Oak mixes old and modern methods in its production.

The whisky is distilled in pot stills and aged in different types of barrels, like American oak, sherry, and sake casks. This process adds rich and complex flavors to the whisky.

Unlike large distilleries, White Oak makes whisky only a few months each year.

This small-scale production ensures a focus on quality, making Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky highly valued by whisky lovers.

The distillery also makes blended whiskies under the Akashi name, offering something for all types of whisky drinkers.

With its long history, skilled craftsmanship, and special approach, the White Oak Distillery is an important part of Japan’s whisky story.

If you want to try Japanese whisky, Akashi White Oak Single Malt is a great choice.

It blends tradition and creativity for a truly special experience.

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky Tastings Notes

Nose

The smell of Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky is gentle, with notes of sweet malt, walnuts, and creamy vanilla yogurt.

After a while, you might notice a hint of smoky peat, but it stays light and not too strong.

Palates

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky offers a strong and flavorful taste.

You’ll first notice a mix of spice, light vanilla, and a little warmth.

As you drink more, hints of herbs and wood become clear, making the flavor richer.

The finish is smooth with a slight salty taste and a touch of smoke.

It ends with a unique cured pork flavor that lingers pleasantly.

Finish

The finish of Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky is medium, with a lasting warmth that lingers.

Notes of chili spice, peat smoke, and a subtle woody char remain on the palate, leaving a memorable impression.

Check the Detailed Review of Eagle Rare 10-Year Bourbon Whiskey 2024.

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky History

1919 – Founding of White Oak Distillery:

Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky started in 1919 when the White Oak Distillery was founded in Akashi, Japan, by the Eigashima Shuzo Company.

The distillery initially made sake and other drinks, but later began making whisky.

1949 – First Whisky Production:

In 1949, the distillery began producing whisky, marking the start of Japan’s whisky-making journey.

At first, they mainly made blended whisky.

1984 – Launch of Single Malt Whisky:

In 1984, the distillery decided to focus on single malt whisky and introduced Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky.

The goal was to compete in the growing global whisky market.

The whisky was crafted with care, using local ingredients and traditional methods.

1990s – Expansion and Recognition:

In the 1990s, Akashi White Oak Whisky became well-known in Japan and started to be sold in other countries.

This helped the brand build a reputation for quality and innovation in Japan’s whisky industry.

2007 – Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky:

In 2007, Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky became widely available.

It became known for its smooth taste and balanced flavor, made with malted barley, fresh water, and a mix of oak casks, including American oak and sherry casks.

2010s – International Success:

During the 2010s, Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky gained popularity worldwide.

It won awards and earned recognition for its high quality, leading to more sales in places like the United States, the UK, and Europe.

Present Day:

Today, Akashi White Oak Single Malt Whisky is still made with the same care and quality.

It is recognized globally as an important part of Japan’s growing whisky reputation and remains a favorite among whisky lovers.

Check the Detailed Review of Eagle Rare 10-Year Bourbon Whiskey 2024.

Japanese Whisky Shortage for a Few Years

The demand for high-quality Japanese whisky has caused prices to rise, though not as quickly as Bitcoin did in 2017.

Many age-statement whiskies are now being replaced with NAS (No Age Statement) whiskies.

To keep up, big brands like Suntory, Nikka, and Kirin have been investing in more distilling and aging facilities.

New distilleries are also being built. While the future of Japanese whisky is uncertain, it looks like there will be more supply in the coming years.

Japan is also trying new things, like aging shochu in oak barrels to create whisky-like flavors and blending old and new whiskies to keep their stock levels steady.

Also, Check out the Jack Daniels 10 Year Batch 2 Review 2024.