The Akkeshi Whisky - "Life Awakens" Keichitsu Season Single Malt 2023 (750ml)

This lightly peated single malt Japanese whisky, distilled by Akkeshi Distillery in Akkeshi, Japan, is the 10th release in their 24 Sekki series. Crafted using both sourced and locally grown Hokkaido barley, it features a light peatiness. The water used is sourced from the Homakai River and is filtered through peat. The whisky is double distilled in Forsythe copper pot stills and aged in a mix of Hokkaido Mizunara oak, ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-red wine barrels, though it carries no age statement.

The nose offers butterscotch candy, temple incense, matcha green tea, and white chocolate, leading to a palate of Mandarin orange, dark chocolate, and sea salt, finishing with a lengthy, honeyed note. This non-chill filtered whisky has an ABV of 55%.

The 24 Japanese Sekki mark micro seasons throughout the year. "Keichitsu," meaning "life awakens," begins in early March, symbolizing the start of spring. This release is reminiscent of the season's first soul-warming sunshine, offering an invigorating experience much like the early days of spring.