Akashi

Akashi is the flagship of White Oak Distillery, located in Akashi—literally 'Sunrise City'—in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The brand descends from Eigashima Shuzo, a company that has been distilling sake and shochu for over three centuries. The name honours both the distillery's hometown and its first whisky release under the White Oak label.

This blended whisky combines 30% malt and 70% grain whisky through a two-stage maturation: three years in ex-bourbon casks, followed by two years in fresh American oak. The result bridges American oak character with the refinement of Japanese distilling heritage.

On the nose, dried apricots and honey emerge alongside vanilla and subtle floral notes. The palate delivers sweet rum-raisin and barley-sugar impressions, with white pepper and dark chocolate building toward a long, warming finish. The whisky's cask strength presentation (60% ABV) adds weight and texture without harshness, making it approachable despite its proof.