Akashi 5 YO Single Cask

Akashi 5 YO Single Cask, 50 %

Akashi 5 YO Single Cask

The Eigashima company actually got their license to distill whisky as early as 1919, four years before Japan's first whisky distillery, Yamazaki, was established. Eigashima did not use their license, however, until 1984, when they built their White Oak Distillery. Eigashima released their first single malt in 2007, under the brand Akashi.

This Akashi 5 YO Single Cask has been matured in an ex-sherry butt (cask #61071). The total outturn was 1080 bottles at 50 cl each. This release is exclusive for Europe.

The Akashi 5 YO Single Cask is available to buy in Norway at NOK 1230 (item number 2391902), and we believe that the same whisky is available in Sweden at SEK 889 (item number 8561302).

Nose (22/25): Rich sherry notes, with lots of demerara sugar, vanilla and home-made caramel pudding. There are spices scuttling about in the shadows here; cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. It has a soft floral touch as well. Very delicate and well integrated nose for a 5 YO whisky.

Taste (21/25): Smooth and soft. Sherry notes take center stage here as they did on the nose. Another very noticeable element here is a clear acidity, slightly citrusy in character - but there is also something else that I cannot fully nail down. It is a pleasant acidity, to be sure, but a bit strange. Rich and full-bodied. Quite fruity, both dried fruits and the fresher kind.

Finish (22/25): As the acidity recedes a very soft and delightful sweetness takes over. The finish is surprisingly long and warm. It takes on mild floral notes, and an almost chewy cinnamon taste towards the end.

Balance (22/25):

Score (87/100)

The bottle in the image does not show the correct cask number, but is otherwise correct. Sorry about that; not much available info online for these releases from Eigashima.

Sláinte! - Thomas