Akkeshi 厚岸 春分 Shunbun Single Malt Whisky

Akkeshi 厚岸 春分 Shunbun Single Malt Whisky

Akkeshi 厚岸 春分 Shunbun is from Japan, Hokkaido, Akkeshi distillery, part of the "24 Solar Terms" single malt whisky series themed around the spring equinox. The distillery began distillation in 2016 in Akkeshi, Hokkaido, and the first Full Bottle 700ml 3-year-old single malt of the 24 Solar Terms series was released at the end of 2020. The inaugural release "Hitsu" won the World Whisky Award Grand Prix in the No Age Statement category. Shunbun showcases citrus fruit, light peat and marine salinity, ideal for spring sipping.

Vinification & Style

Akkeshi distillery is located in Akkeshi, Hokkaido, Japan. Construction began in October 2015, completed in July 2016, and production started in November 2016. The distillery aims to produce "100% Hokkaido whisky", using Akkeshi malt made from Hokkaido barley, and matures in Hokkaido oak and bourbon casks. Shunbun is a 3-year-old single malt with light-to-medium peat, marine salinity and spring fruit character, showcasing Akkeshi's unique ageing environment.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Light gold to amber, bright and clear.
Nose: Poached pear, citrus (mandarin, hassaku, orange), brown sugar, vanilla, light peat, marine salinity, lemongrass, lemon peel.
Palate: Medium body, with mandarin jelly and salted lemon's refreshing acidity, balanced with brown sugar, yokan and dried persimmon's sweetness, rich and smooth. Mid-palate shows vanilla, light peat, white pepper, dark chocolate and marine salinity, creating an elegant and balanced impression.
Finish: Medium to long, with lingering citrus, light peat, pepper, ginger syrup and dark chocolate, ending quietly with delicate peat smoke.

Reviews & Accolades

World Whisky Award: "Hitsu", the first release of the 24 Solar Terms series, won the Grand Prix in the No Age Statement category.
Brand positioning: Akkeshi is one of the most anticipated new distilleries in Japan; the 24 Solar Terms series is its first Full Bottle single malt whisky release.
Other professional descriptions: Shunbun is described as "enjoy Akkeshi whisky with soft sweetness and peat flavour under the soft spring sunlight", emphasising spring fruit and light peat.
Other notes: The series as a whole is regarded as a benchmark for Akkeshi style, with peat, salinity, citrus and cask sweetness interwoven.

Special Info: The Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series is a limited-edition Full Bottle 700ml release at 55% ABV, with each bottling representing a solar term. Shunbun is one of the spring solar terms, symbolising spring warmth and vitality, ideal for spring sipping or seasonal collecting.

Origin: Japan, Hokkaido, Akkeshi
Type: Whisky
Style: Single Malt Japanese Whisky
ABV: 55%
Volume: 700ml