Akashi Whisky is a Japanese whisky that is easy on the palate and makes for a great beginner-friendly whisky choice.
There are actually multiple Akashi whiskies, so today, while we will focus on their most popular option, the White Oak Blended Whisky, we’ll throw in a hint of the others, too. After all, they each have their own distinctive taste.
Here’s what you can expect from Askashi whiskies.
What is Akashi?
Akashi is a Japanese whisky brand founded in, you guessed it, Akashi, Japan, which is outside of Kobe, Japan, near Osaka Bay.
The distillery is called Akashi Eigashima Distillery, or the White Oak Distillery if you are in Japan. Japanese whiskies don’t have the same requirements as American bourbon, so while it is still made with a few different grains, there is no standardized mash bill.
The distillery is on the smaller side comparatively, producing only a fraction of some other companies in the Japanese whisky category. In fact, the entire distillery runs with just 7 people!
However, they have still made an impact with a tasty lineup of several whisky varieties.
Akashi White Oak Whisky
The primary highlight on the lineup at Eigashima Distillery is the White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky. It is a three-grain whisky made with rye, barley, and wheat.
When it comes to tasting notes, there is a subtle peat note, elements of vanilla, pine nuts, and a wheaty, bready finish. It doesn’t have as strong of an oaky, peat taste as many scotch varieties making it an excellent introduction to whiskies if you have a more delicate palate.
The flavors of the barrels it is aged in, including ex-bourbon casks, sherry casks, and barley shochu casks, also come through. On the nose, there are strong fruit hints of cherry, lemon, toffee, and oats.
Other Akashi Japanese Whiskies
The Akashi Single Malt Whisky is another prominent offering in the lineup.
Unlike most single malts, because the distillery is right on the water, the single malt bottle has a unique briny quality and tasting notes that include salted caramel, white chocolate, yellow apple, a bit of peat, and a nice buttery finish.
Another one of the Akashi whiskies is the Akashi Ume, a Japanese Plum Flavored Whisky. Japanese Ume are freshly harvested and added right to the matured White Oak Whisky, then aged for another 6-10 months.
The resulting flavor is fruity and sweet with some acidy and notes of honey and raisin jam.
The other two options are two Japanese highballs, each with a smooth, refreshing aftertaste.
Akashi Nutrition Facts
The Akashi White Oak Blended Whisky has 40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof, though some of their other varieties have a bit higher alcohol content.
Like most whisky and bourbon, there are about 95-115 calories in a single serving of Akashi.
There are also negligible carbs and zero fat or protein, as with most unflavored whiskies.
Where To Buy Akashi
Despite Akashi Whiskies having limited production compared to other brands, it can still be found at most major liquor retailers.
However, if you can’t find it or prefer the convenience of ordering online, we have included the link below!
Akashi Alternatives
Of course, Akashi isn’t the only brand of Japanese whiskey. Here are some others to try while you’re at it!
Tenajku Blended
Toki Suntory
Iwai
Akashi Cocktails
Though Akashi whiskies are delicious on their own, they make for an excellent addition to tasty cocktails.
Ume Highball
By Diversivore
If you are looking for a unique cocktail to make with Japanese whiskies, the Ume Highball from Diversivore is perfect. It has a mild, mellow flavor with bold aromas and a hit of burn on the palate. It’s really something unlike anything else.
Geisha Martini Cocktail
Though this Geisha Martini Cocktail from Difford’s Guide is a strong one, we love it. It has vodka, sake, dry vermouth, Japanese blended whisky, and simple syrup. Even with all of those different flavors coming from the whole list of spirits, they all seem to with together flawlessly.
Koyo Front
This recipe from Kara Newman at Wine Enthusiast, the Koyo Front, is built around the flavors of Akashi White Oak Blended Whisky. It’s an amazing place to start if you don’t want to drink the spirit straight or on the rocks.
FAQs
Is Akashi Whisky made in Japan?
Yes, Akashi is made in Japan by White Oak Distilleries.
Who makes Akashi whisky?
Eigashima Distillery, called White Oak Distillery, makes Akashi in Askashi, Japan.
What is the ABV of Akashi whiskey?
Akashi is 40% alcohol by volume or 80 proof.
Which Japanese whiskey is costly?
Well, there is a lot of Japanese whiskies that are costly, though the most notorious is Yamazaki, the most expensive and oldest whisky ever bottled in Japan.
Key Takeaways
- White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky is the most popular whisky on the Akashi lineup.
- The White Oak Akashi is smooth and aged in ex-bourbon, barely shochu, and sherry casks.
- Their other option is a single malt that makes for a good entry into the world of scotch.
Akashi Whisky
- Ume Highball from Diversivore
- Geisha Martini Cocktail from Difford’s Guide
- Koyo Front from Kara Newman at Wine Enthusiast
