Akashi Red (50cl, 40%)

Akashi Red is a Scotch-style blend of malt and grain whiskies from Eigashima Shuzo, bottled at 40% in a 50cl bottle. It is chill-filtered and coloured. The company grew out of the sake tradition of Akashi in Hyogo Prefecture, was founded in 1888 and built a new whisky distillery beside its headquarters in 1984. The character is lively and malty, light, smooth and fairly dry. The nose brings pale grapes, honey and fine vanilla, with a restrained pepper note. On the palate, juicy peach meets soft almond, with oak and vanilla. The long finish carries almond sweetness and gentle, spicy oak.