The Akkeshi Whisky – “The Great Snowfall” Taisetsu Season Single Malt 2022 (750ml)

This lightly peated single malt Japanese whisky, crafted by Akkeshi Distillery in Akkeshi, Japan, is the 9th release in their 24 Sekki series. It’s produced from both sourced and locally grown Hokkaido barley, with a gentle peat profile. The water, sourced from the Homakai River, is filtered through peat and the whisky is double distilled in Forsythe copper pot stills. This non-age statement whisky is matured in a blend of Hokkaido Mizunara oak, ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-red wine barrels.

The nose is a complex blend of marshmallow fluff, campfire, vanilla cream, funnel cake, and sandalwood, leading to a palate of kiwi, grilled Concord grapes, and vanilla bean, with lingering bittersweet notes of smoky fruit skin. It’s non-chill filtered and has an ABV of 55%.

The 24 Japanese Sekki mark the solar year into 24 micro seasons. “Taisetsu,” meaning “the great snowfall,” begins in early December, a time of short days, snowy mountains, and animals in winter hibernation. This whisky, with its savory peat smoke and brewed tea notes, is an ideal companion for the winter season.