Akashi Blue Label Blended Whisky /40%/ – Akashi might be the only whisky in the world that is made by a Toji (grand master in the art of sake-making) by implementing sake-making methodologies into the whisky-making process.
The company employs small pot still, which in turn decreases the level of fusel alcohol. Consequently the distillate is smooth and delicate. Akashi Blue Label is a blended whisky reserved in Japanese shōchu cask made of American oak for about two years then transferred into ex-bourbon barrels and finally finished in ex-sherry casks for about 12 months. The current Eigashima Distillery was built in 1984 and has been producing whisky for seven months a year while sake and shōchu remain the main sources of revenue.
Nose: smooth and sweet, vanilla, toffee, buttered toast, dash of fresh herbs, hints of lemon grass and oak.
Palate: light and fresh, vanilla, sweet pastries, apples, strawberries, dash of white pepper and touch of peat.
Finish: medium long, with notes of sweet pastries, vanilla, honey, pepper and light oak.
