Hokkaido Akkeshi Distillery 'Daikan - The Peak Of Winter' 2022 Japanese Whisky

The Akkeshi 24 Sekki Daikan The Peak of Winter is a lightly peated blended malt and grain whisky produced by the Akkeshi Distillery in Akkeshi, Japan. It is the 6th release from the 24 Sekki series and is copper pot distilled. The whisky is aged for a minimum of 3 years and is a blend of Akkeshi single malt aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry, red wine, and local Mizunara oak casks and sourced grain whisky from an undisclosed distillery aged in ex-bourbon casks by Akkeshi. It has inviting aromas of orange tea, brown sugar, lemon, and strawberry, which are echoed on the palate with added layers of citrus acidity and sweetness. The finish is classic Akkeshi, highlighting sea salt, white pepper, and cocoa. This whisky is bottled in 2022 and is a limited release in the US, with only 492 bottles available. It is non-chill filtered and has an alcohol content of 48% ABV. The 24 Sekki are days that divide the solar year into 24 equal micro seasons. Daikan, which means "the peak of winter," begins around January 20th and is considered Japan's coldest season. The label design for this whisky is inspired by the heavy fog of Akkeshi Bay and conveys the brooding chill of winter. However, the rich grain whisky and peated Mizunara cask influence of this whisky make for a sturdy dram to fortify oneself through the cold