【White Oak Du's Blended Whisky】
ZJ227 - Akashi Whisky Crafted By Toji (Gift Box)
Special Price：$298/bottle
Brewery: Eizakijima Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Origin: Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Maturation: Japanese white oak casks
Alcohol by Volume: 40%
Volume: 700ml
Tasting Notes:
This limited-edition craft whisky is personally blended by the Toji (Master Brewer). The whisky base and grain whisky were initially matured for three years in American white oak shochu casks, followed by a further two years in separate Spanish sherry casks and bourbon casks.
The amber hue reveals a delightful honeyed aroma, complemented by notes of pepper, vanilla, and subtle smokiness, alongside hints of chocolate, oak, and dried fruit. The finish offers a pleasant lingering warmth with hints of spice and cinnamon.
Introduction: The second release in the Akashi Gemstone Series, handcrafted by Toji (Master Brewer) of Eijima Shuzo using carefully selected whiskies aged for three years in sherry and bourbon casks. Founded in 1888 by Hyōkichi Urabe as a joint-stock company, the Iejima family's sake brewing heritage in the renowned Nada district dates back to 1679. In 1919, they secured Japan's first whisky distilling licence and began crafting their distinctive style. Benefiting from the mild, dry climate of the Seto Inland Sea, the pristine waters of Mount Rokko, and over a century of sake brewing expertise, this Akashi Single Malt embodies the quintessential characteristics of a Japanese whisky. It expresses the terroir and the distinctive, complex flavours imparted by its maturation in oak casks.
Japan boasts only eight domestic whisky distilleries. Founded in 1888, Kōei Shuzō is located in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. Since its founding in 1888, the distillery has produced sake and shochu. It obtained a whisky production licence in 1919, becoming Japan's first brewery to do so. In 1984, the distillery established the White Oak Distillery, dedicated exclusively to whisky production. All whiskies produced at White Oak are named ‘Akashi’, primarily creating blended whiskies though a limited quantity of single malt whisky is also produced. Kōei Shuzō operates seven warehouses in total. Warehouse No. 2 is dedicated to Akashi whisky maturation. Its sturdy walls and minimal windows maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring Akashi whisky matures under ideal conditions.
Akashi City was known as the Nada District in the 19th century. The Nada District produced high-quality rice due to the clear water sources in Hyogo Prefecture. The quality of the alcohol was also assured by this pristine water source. Uemon Urabe was the first of the Urabe family to brew sake in the Nishi-Nada district, while his brother, Hyōkichi Urabe, established Eiji Shuzō in 1888 with a mere 30,000 yen. Eiji Shuzo's first Akashi sake, Yuri Masamune, was registered and produced at the distillery in 1894, while one of Akashi's most popular sake brands, Shin-Taka, was produced in 1895.
