Akkeshi – 'Risshu' Single Malt Peated Japanese Whisky (70cl, 55%)

A peated single malt from Hokkaido Akkeshi Distillery, in a 70cl bottle at 55% ABV. Risshu means 'the beginning of autumn' and is the 20th edition in the distillery's Nijushisekki series, which follows the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. The whisky is a vatting of malts aged three to five years in bourbon, sherry, wine and Mizunara oak casks. Undiluted Mizunara malt from Hokkaido-made barrels is the key component. The phenol level is medium. The nose offers peach and apricot compote, vanilla custard, black sugar syrup, dried persimmon and soft bonfire smoke. On the palate come lemon cake, orange macaron and a light acidity like ramune soda. The finish is black pepper and savoury ginger-soy spice, with lingering lemon candy sweetness.