Eigashima - White Oak Distillery 'Akashi' Japanese Blended Whisky, Japan

Eigashima – White Oak Distillery Akashi Japanese Blended Whisky is a refined, small-batch expression that bridges Scottish blending tradition with the precision of Japanese craftsmanship. Aged for just under four years, this whisky combines malt and grain whiskies with subtle peat influence, delivering balance, nuance, and a distinctly coastal character born from its seaside home in Akashi.

Product Details:

• Category: Blended Japanese Whisky
• ABV: 40%
• Average Age: 3 years, 8 months
• Blend Composition: 35% malt & grain whisky (wheat and barley)
• Maturation: Primarily ex-bourbon casks, complemented by a variety of White Oak’s unique barrels
• Filtration: Non-chill filtered
• Style: Lightly peated, blended in the Scottish tradition with Japanese precision

Sensory Description:

On the nose, Akashi presents delicate malty aromas lifted by citrus zest, black cherry, and toffee, with oak undertones adding depth. The palate reveals a smooth interplay of vanilla, pine nuts, and subtle malt sweetness, supported by light peat and ex-bourbon cask influence. The finish is long, malty, and balanced, leaving a soft warmth that invites another sip.

Awards & Accolades:

• 2023: Silver, International Spirits Challenge
• 2022: Silver, Bartender Spirits Awards
• 2022: Silver, Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition

Distiller's Background:

Eigashima Shuzo, known as White Oak Distillery, is one of Japan’s oldest family-run beverage producers, with roots dating back to the Edo period as a sake brewery. Located in the coastal fishing village of Akashi near Osaka Bay, the distillery benefits from Japan’s warmest and driest whisky climate. In 1919, Eigashima became the first company in Japan to obtain a whisky-making license, and today, under ninth-generation leadership, it continues to craft sake, shochu, wine, and whisky with uncompromising dedication. With production capped at around 48,000 liters annually, White Oak remains a true micro-distillery, embodying Japanese artistry and integrity in every bottle.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed neat at 18–20°C to appreciate its nuanced malt and citrus complexity, or with a splash of water to highlight its creamy vanilla and oak tones. Akashi also shines in a classic Japanese highball, where its light peat and citrus notes refresh with elegance. Pair it with sushi, grilled seafood, or roasted poultry, where the whisky’s balance of malt, fruit, and spice enhances the delicacy of each dish.

Eigashima – White Oak Distillery Akashi Japanese Blended Whisky is an artisanal expression of history and craft. With its gentle peat, layered sweetness, and coastal influence, it offers a distinct glimpse into Japan’s whisky heritage, refined, thoughtful, and unforgettable.