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About Akkeshi Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Akkeshi, Japan. Founded in 2016
Hokkaido’s Answer to Islay? Say Hello to Akkeshi
If you thought the best peated whiskies came only from Islay, I’ve got news for you — Japan’s Akkeshi Distillery is giving them a proper run for their money. Perched on the foggy coast of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, this distillery blends Scottish tradition with Japanese precision, and the result? Bold, smoky whiskies with a wild coastal soul.
Founded in 2016, Akkeshi is one of the few Japanese distilleries built from the ground up with a focus on peated single malts, using pot stills imported from Scotland and a climate not unlike Islay — damp, cool, and bracing. They even age many of their whiskies in mizunara oak, a uniquely Japanese twist that adds an exotic, spicy layer.
In short, Akkeshi is doing something rare: combining smoky Scotch style with unmistakably Japanese flair. And it’s working. If you like your whisky to taste like the sea, the forest, and a bit of a bonfire all at once — this one’s for you.
Taste Profile
 |
 |
 |
| Peaty / Smoky
|
Briny / Maritime |
Spicy |
Akkeshi is known for its briny, peated single malts that offer both intensity and elegance. While the smoke is front and centre, it’s backed by layers of fruit, spice, and that signature mizunara wood finish.
Akkeshi is renowned for its bold, peated whiskies with maritime character and Japanese finesse. The distillery is particularly noted for its use of mizunara oak, which imparts sandalwood-like spice and gentle citrus to its coastal malts. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Aromatic peat smoke
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Sea breeze and minerality
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Spiced oak and sandalwood
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Zesty citrus peel
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
|
Peat Smoke |
|
Brine / Sea Salt |
 |
Cinnamon / Clove |
 |
Citrus (Lemon / Orange Zest) |
The Akkeshi series is often released in limited, seasonal batches — each with its own name, vibe, and cult following. Here's a look at the most popular ones that whisky lovers (and collectors) are raving about.
| Whisky Name | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akkeshi Single Malt “Kanro” | 55% | Coastal smoke, lemon zest, dried herbs, sandalwood spice |
| Akkeshi Single Malt “Usui” | 55% | Peated citrus, green apple, clove, salty finish |
| Akkeshi New Born Foundations Series | 50–60% | Young, punchy, experimental — intense peat and spice |
| Akkeshi Blended “Sekkō” (Snowdrop) | 48% | Smooth peat, vanilla, sea salt, touch of sweet cream |
These bottlings are often small-batch and sell out fast. If you see one — especially from the “24 Solar Terms” series — grab it.
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The Distillery
Akkeshi Distillery
Address: Address: 969-1, Akkeshi-cho, Akkeshi-gun, Hokkaido 088-1117, Japan
 Open in maps |
 www.akkeshi-distillery.com |
 +81 150 65 2346 |
Visitor Centre
Akkeshi Distillery does not currently have a full-time visitor centre open to the public, but that may change in the near future. Because of its remote location and limited production, tours are generally restricted or require special arrangement. It's definitely a "plan ahead" destination.
Travel tip: If you're planning a whisky pilgrimage to Hokkaido, pair it with local seafood and a few coastal hikes. It's whisky with a view.
Ownership & Background
Current Owner:
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Kenten Co., Ltd. – Since 2016
A construction and real estate firm that decided to branch out into the world of premium Japanese spirits — and thank goodness they did.
Past Owners:
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Akkeshi is a new distillery and has had the same ownership since day one.
The team is small but passionate, made up of Japanese craftsmen and Scotch whisky veterans who’ve created something that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Distillery Facts
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Fermentation Time | Approximately 48–72 hours |
| Filling Strength | 63.5% ABV (typical for Scotch whisky) |
| Heat Source | Steam |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
| Condenser Type | Shell and tube |
