Japan
📍Hokkaido, Japan
The Akkeshi Distillery is located on the rugged east coast of Hokkaido, where mist, rain and the influence of the sea create a climate strongly reminiscent of Islay.
🕰️ History and Legacy
Founded in 2016 by Kenten Co. Ltd. with the aim of creating a "Japanese Islay," Akkeshi is known as one of Japan's most ambitious new distilleries, with a focus on terroir and local raw materials.
⚗️ Production and Philosophy
The distillery uses both peated and unpeated malts and matures its whisky in sherry, bourbon, and mizunara casks. Everything—from malting to maturation—takes place in Akkeshi itself, under the constant influence of sea air.
🍯 Flavor Profile and Style
Complex and layered with notes of smoke, seaweed, orange zest, honey and Japanese oak.
🌟 Special Bottlings or Collaborations
Known for the 24 Solar Terms series, in which each bottling symbolizes a Japanese season. Some selections are bottled by independent bottlers such as Adelphi.
💎 Why this distillery is special
Akkeshi combines Japanese refinement with Scottish smoky influence — a modern classic in the making.
