Akkeshi – Rikka Single Malt (70cl, 55%)

Akkeshi Rikka is a Japanese single malt in a 70cl bottle at 55% ABV. It is the 19th release in the Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms Series and marks the beginning of summer, when Japanese irises bloom by Akkeshi Lake. The key malts are made from Hokkaido-grown barley and matured in Hokkaido Mizunara oak casks. Malt from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Hokkaido goes into the whisky. Fruity aromas, maturity and prominent wood define it, with Akkeshi peat intertwined with Japanese citrus. The nose is fresh peach, apricot and mandarin, with woody, smoky top notes. The palate offers chocolate, orange confit and roasted chestnuts. The finish is gentle peat with apricot, Hyuganatsu citrus, black pepper and a coastal note.