Last Updated: 2/5/2021
If you’re looking for a real whisky from Japan that’s not crazy expensive, Akashi Single Malt is one to look out for. It’s an authentic Japanese whisky with a mild Highland Scotch-like flavor profile.
This post will explore this whisky in detail. Get tasting notes, pricing and retail options, serving suggestions, and more.
Akashi Whisky Price & Market
Akashi Single Malt is priced around $100-$125 US retail. There is some strong Japanese single malt whisky competition at this level. However, Akashi does hold its own and is a good buy for someone that already has many of the more established brands.
Restaurants have had a hard time keeping up with the demand for high-end Japanese whisky. This has led to the widespread placement of Akashi single malt on beverage menus across the US and Canada. Prices tend to be all over the place, but $25-$30 for a 1.5 oz pour is about right. Anything less is a great deal.
The availability of Akashi is strong, so there’s no need to overpay. Many large alcohol retailers like BevMo!, Binny’s, and Total Wine will carry this product. Costco is also worth checking out.
The fastest, and perhaps most affordable, way to find a bottle of White Oak single malt is by checking online retailers. Many offer delivery. Prices and availability will vary by location. Again, it’s best to shop around and avoid overpaying.
Shop Online Retailers of White Oak Single Malt Whisky Akashi
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Similar Whiskies to Akashi White Oak Single Malt
This Japanese single malt is in direct competition with NAS heavyweights Nikka Yoichi and Miyagikyo, Suntory’s Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 single malts, and the Mars Komagatake-series whiskies.
These are some of the most famous names in Japanese whisky.
From a value standpoint, these whiskies are hard to beat. However, Akashi’s Single Malt is not far behind and deserves shelf space if you’re a Japanese whisky fanatic.
With time, I personally believe this whisky will improve as stocks of aged malt whisky increases at the White Oak Distillery.
Overview of Akashi White Oak Single Malt
Akashi Single Malt is the flagship export single malt whisky from Eigashima Shuzo. It carries no age statement and features fairly young whisky with a mean of about 3-5 years of age.
One of the reasons for White Oak Single Malt’s complexity is Eigashima’s use of so many types of barrels. Pedro Ximenez, Cream, and Oloroso Sherry barrels are used, as well as new American Oak, Bourbon, brandy, wine, and shochu casks.
That’s a pretty unique blend.
Akashi Single Malt Tasting Notes
Lightly peated malt brings a hint of smoke and heather. Honey, fruit, and a blast of woody, spicy American oak takes center stage.
Other notes include fresh and oxidized golden apples, fresh and dried apricot, sweet sherry, lemon oil, brine, chestnut, fresh grains, vanilla, and cinnamon.
The finish is fairly quick. Overall, this Akashi whisky is soft-textured and medium-bodied single malt.
Akashi Single Malt Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Akashi “White Oak” Single Malt is probably best neat, with a splash of water (mizuwari), or easy rocks.
Akashi Single Malt is a pricey mixer, but a Manhattan or Old Fashioned would play nice with Akashi as a cocktail. Additionally, floating this single malt on top of an Akashi Blended-based Penicillin creates a softer, milder Japanese variation of this medicinal classic. Finally, the Japanese highball is a refreshing way to enjoy this single malt.
The mildly peated malt has what it takes to fill in for the classic whisky pairing: Scotch and oysters. Akashi’s seaside location adds to the appeal. Smoked and rich cheeses are also a nice accompaniment with this Japanese whisky.
Akashi White Oak Single Malt Product Info
- Distilled at the White Oak Distillery
- Mash Bill: lightly-peated malted barley
- Stills: Copper pot stills; wash and spirit
- Age: NAS
- Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
- Barrels: ex-Bourbon, new American Oak, Sherry, wine, brandy, shochu
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Akashi Whisky and Eigashima Shuzo
Founded: 1891 Location: Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture
Akashi Whisky is a popular Japanese brand produced in Akashi, Hyogo by Eigashima Shuzo (江井ヶ嶋酒造). Similar to their most well-known brand– Eigashima is named for the neighborhood it’s within. In 1919, they became the first licensed whisky distillery in Japan. Their whisky is made at the seaside White Oak Distillery. They also produces whisky under the Eigashima brand.
Eigashima Shuzo began as a sake brewery– founded in 1891. They still make sake under the Kamitaka brand.
Get more Akashi Whisky and Eigashima information.
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