Akkeshi Ritto Single Malt Japanese Whisky 700ml (2021 Bottling)

Akkeshi began distilling in 2016, based in the Akkeshi District of Hokkaido, the concept of distilling and maturing single malt in Japan’s northern wilderness traces back to the very first plans of Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer of the country’s early whisky production. 

No.5 in the 24 Sekki Series. Ritto is the season when ‘winter begins’ and the first snows make their presence felt in the northern countries. This bottling is exclusively Akkeshi’s own malt, distilled from locally grown Hokkaido barley in 2018, then matured in Mizunara oak and ex-Pinot Noir cask.

This has the classic threads of Akkeshi’s iodine and smoke-wreathed malt, intertwined with fresh vanilla, caramel and a hint of liquorice. There’s a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness and smoke on the palate. Perhaps reflecting the season, it’s a deeper expression, finishing with a dry grip on the sweet/ savoury length.