Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosho 70CL

Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosho comes from the Akkeshi Distillery on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, a region whose cool, coastal climate has drawn comparisons to Islay, and whose whiskies are named after the twenty-four sekki, the traditional divisions of the Japanese solar calendar — Shosho, meaning 'lesser heat', marks the height of summer. The whisky blends malt and grain spirit matured in a mix of Japanese mizunara oak and ex-bourbon barrels, a combination that layers Akkeshi's developing house style with the distinctive incense and sandalwood character mizunara is famous for imparting. On the nose, expect white pepper and soft peat smoke alongside ripe pear, with the mizunara influence emerging as a gentle sandalwood and spice note beneath the fruit. The palate carries that balance through: yuzu citrus and honey sweetness meet a light incense-like woodiness, with soft smoke lingering underneath rather than dominating. The finish is smooth and well balanced, closing on citrus zest and a faint smoky warmth. This is a genuinely well-constructed Japanese whisky that showcases both Akkeshi's ambition to build an Islay-inspired house style in Hokkaido and the increasingly sought-after character of mizunara-matured spirit. Best enjoyed neat to appreciate the interplay of citrus, smoke, and incense, it is a strong choice for drinkers exploring beyond Scotland's more familiar names.