White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky

The Akashi White Oak fell short on my expectations with Japanese whisky. Despite using a Norlan for nosing, it was difficult to identify each unique aroma. They do make an eventual appearance, but one really needs to be patient and work with it. The palate shows a lot of potential where you may get hints of sweetness and nuts, but is ultimately dominated by the taste of oak and spices. The finish starts sweet, but is only short-lived as it quickly evolves into a lightly peated and salty after taste. Overall, this would make a tolerable entry level product for anyone looking for a gateway into the world of Nikka and Hibiki. More time spent in a barrel would certainly elevate this whisky, and despite the low 40% ABV, there is a noticeable burn with each sip, so bear that in mind. NOSE: Mandarin oranges, salted caramel, malt, apple, confectioners' sugar PALATE: Caramel, almonds, spices, oak FINISH: Malt, subtle caramel, light peat, sea salt, nori Rating: 75/100 Grade: C Below average – drinkable, but better as a mixer / party booze.

A delicate, Japanese blended whisky that has been the subject of some controversy. The bottling for the home market in Japan is made with malt whisky & molasses spirit, which would not be classed as 'whisky' in the EU. This export version, however, is made from malt & grain whiskies. It has an aromatic birth with notes of toffee, vanilla, cinnamon, buttered hot cross buns, chocolate peanuts, lemongrass & a light hint of spicy rye grain. While a rich life adds notes of caramel, tobacco, cherry Bakewell's, walnut loaf. sweet cereals with a dusting of nutmeg & black pepper. That led to a sweet, creamy death of medium length with notes of dried apricot & a touch of oatcake. October 2017 / July 2019 / December 2020 / August 2022

These notes are from a blind tasting (Flaviar Advent Calendar) The smell is soft oak and vanilla, light honey, and fresh bright tropical fruits. (banana and green apple) The taste - It’s thin and the flavors are also light. Soft fruitcake-like spices, soft vanilla, oak, and honey.  The finish is short - mostly vanilla and the spice and oak flavors round it out.  This is a decent Japanese whisky - very similar character throughout all of the lower-end Japanese whiskies I have come across. There is nothing wrong with this. It isn’t something I would go out and purchase but to be fair, most “affordable” Japanese whiskies fall a little short for me.  Overall Grade: C  (Average)

Quite a lot here to find with your nose. Caramel and honey are present initially along with the peat I'd usually expect from a scotch. Going back in for a bit more the more subtle notes of oak and a variety of fruits can be found. The honey really comes through on tasting this one and was a little sweet for me. The front of my tongue picked up on a strong butterscotch that stuck around well after everything else had faded away. A smooth whiskey without much bite to it. A touch of spice but nothing here to leave me asking for another glass.

The nose has a mild sweetness that gives way to a light campfire smell. The lack of ethanol is pleasant, but overall the nose doesn't have much substance. The palate turns that sweetness into something almost reminiscent of bubblegum and honey, while the wood begins to come in just a tad to cut through that taste. The finish is short, almost bitter, without much else going on. Read the full review: https://helladrunk.com/akashi-white-oak

This is very good for the price point; ripe red apple, plum, vanilla, and caramel nose; toffee, caramel, and pear flavor with some creamy brûlée custard; finishes pretty clean except for some burnt caramel; very smooth; thin, but satisfying texture