Distileri

Akkeshi

Hokkaido, Japan · 2016'den beri

Akkeshi Distillery was established in 2016 in the small fishing town of Akkeshi, nestled on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island. The region's cool, misty climate bears a remarkable resemblance to the Scottish Highlands, a parallel that inspired the founders to set their vision here. Pure waters from the Shibetsu River and the briny sea air drifting in from Lake Akkeshi contribute a distinctive maritime terroir to the spirit as it matures in the warehouse. Perhaps the most poetic aspect of the distillery is its release naming convention: each expression is named after one of the traditional Japanese 24 solar terms, or nijūshi sekki, weaving the passage of seasons into the very identity of the whisky. The malts tend to be peated and smoky, echoing a Scottish sensibility while remaining grounded in their Hokkaido surroundings. Despite being a relatively young operation, Akkeshi has garnered considerable acclaim from the international whisky community, with its limited releases attracting devoted collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.