Akashi White Oak is a blended Japanese whisky produced by Eigashima Shuzo Co. Ltd. The distillery is located in Akashi City and it’s not only the smallest distillery in the country, but also the oldest. It first began making sake and shochu in 1888. And although they got a license to begun distilling whisky in 1919, whisky production didn’t begin till 1984.

What’s important to note about this blend is that there are different releases of this whisky out there. Some of them are a blend of malt whisky, grain whisky and molasses spirit, while the other version (sold outside of Japan) is blended using malt and grain whiskies.

This is a no-age-statement whisky, however it is matured in Japanese Shochu cask (American Oak) for three years, it is then aged in bourbon casks before it is finished in ex-sherry casks for two years.

Tasting Notes
Nose: sweet, grain and sweet notes of toffee
Palate: Vanilla, with notes of salt, nuts and cherry
Finish: smooth, light and malty

I saw a mix bag of reviews out there on this whisky but personally I liked it. It is smooth, light and easy to drink. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there isn’t a Japanese I’ve had, to date, that I’ve not liked and this was certainly no exception. There is a good amount of quality and thought put into everything they produce.

There is a balance of sweet and salty notes. The blended whiskies harmoniously come together and it could easily be a whisky non-whisky drinker would enjoy due to the smoothness and lightness of each dram.

I do recommend trying if you are a looking for a smooth easy to drink Japanese whisky.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.