White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky

The Akashi White Oak didn't meet my expectations for Japanese whisky. Even using a Norlan glass for nosing, it was challenging to distinguish individual aromas. They do eventually emerge, but one truly needs to be patient and work at it. The palate shows a lot of promise, offering hints of sweetness and nuts, but is ultimately dominated by the taste of oak and spices. The finish begins sweet, but is only brief before quickly transforming into a lightly peated and salty aftertaste. Overall, this would serve as an acceptable entry-level product for someone seeking a way into the world of Nikka and Hibiki. More time spent aging in a barrel would certainly improve this whisky, and despite the low 40% ABV, there's a noticeable burn with every sip, so keep that in mind. NOSE: Mandarin oranges, salted caramel, malt, apple, confectioners' sugar PALATE: Caramel, almonds, spices, oak FINISH: Malt, subtle caramel, light peat, sea salt, nori Rating: 75/100 Grade: C Below average – drinkable, but better as a mixer / party booze.

A refined, Japanese blended whisky that has faced some debate. The version sold in Japan is made with malt whisky and molasses spirit, which wouldn't qualify as 'whisky' in the EU. This export version, however, consists of malt and grain whiskies. It offers an aromatic start with hints of toffee, vanilla, cinnamon, buttered hot cross buns, chocolate peanuts, lemongrass, and a faint touch of spicy rye grain. As it develops, it reveals notes of caramel, tobacco, cherry Bakewell tarts, walnut loaf, sweet cereals with a sprinkle of nutmeg and black pepper. It concludes with a sweet, creamy finish of medium length, featuring notes of dried apricot and a hint of oatcake. October 2017 / July 2019 / December 2020 / August 2022

These impressions are from a blind tasting that was part of the Flaviar Advent Calendar. Its scent is of gentle oak and vanilla, light honey, and vibrant, fresh tropical fruits (banana and green apple). On the palate, it's thin with delicate flavors. Gentle fruitcake-like spices, soft vanilla, oak, and honey are present. The conclusion is brief, mainly vanilla with spice and oak notes rounding it out. This is a respectable Japanese whisky, possessing a character quite similar to other lower-tier Japanese whiskies I've sampled. There's nothing inherently wrong with it. I wouldn't seek it out for purchase, but to be fair, most reasonably priced Japanese whiskies don't quite hit the mark for me. Overall Score: C (Average)

The nose offers a lot to discover. Initially, caramel and honey are present, along with the peat one might anticipate from a scotch. Further investigation reveals subtler hints of oak and various fruits. The honey is quite prominent on the palate, leaning a bit too sweet for my preference. My front tongue detected a strong butterscotch that lingered long after other tastes faded. It's a smooth whiskey with minimal harshness. A hint of spice is there, but not enough to make me want more.

The aroma has a gentle sweetness that fades into a faint campfire scent. The absence of harsh alcohol is nice, but the overall smell is unremarkable. The taste transforms that sweetness into notes resembling bubblegum and honey, while the wood starts to lightly intrude, tempering the flavor. The finish is brief, nearly bitter, with little else to offer.

For its cost, this is excellent. The nose has ripe red apple, plum, vanilla, and caramel. The palate offers toffee, caramel, and pear with a creamy brûlée custard character. The finish is quite clean save for some burnt caramel. It's very smooth with a thin yet satisfying texture.