Distillery
Akkeshi
Akkeshi is a Japanese distillery based in Akkeshi (Hokkaido) specializing in the production of single malt and blended whiskies. It is known for the series inspired by the 24 solar terms and for an approach that combines traditional Scottish methods with the characteristics of Hokkaido's coastal terroir.
- Akkeshi · Hokkaido · Japan
- Since 2016
- 5 products
The story
The distillery began production in 2016 and is owned by Kenten Jitsugyo (堅展実業株式会社). From the outset it stated its intention to produce whiskies inspired by traditional Scottish practices, adapting them to the climate and local resources of Akkeshi, Hokkaido.
Production philosophy
To apply traditional Scottish methods while preserving the expression of Akkeshi's territory: sea air, coastal fog and local water. Production aims to create both single malts characterised by peaty notes and blended whiskies that reflect the climate and raw materials of northern Japan.
Territory
Akkeshi, Hokkaido prefecture (Japan). Cold climate, frequent sea fog and proximity to Akkeshi Bay: conditions the company cites as decisive for the aromatic profile of its whiskies.
Awards and recognition
According to the official press release of 9 February 2026, "THE AKKESHI Blended Whisky '穀雨'" was awarded at the World Whisky Awards 2026 as Category Winner / Best International Blended (Gold); four other products from the range received Silver/Bronze awards at the same event, according to the distillery's official statement.
Production method
Batch distillation with pot stills (Forsyth). Fermentations managed by the master distiller (steel washbacks without temperature control), use of both peated and unpeated malts; production also includes grain whisky made with a single pot still method. Maturation takes place in dunnage and racked warehouses, some located close to the bay to exploit the influence of sea air.
Distillation
Pot still distillation (Forsyth stills); production of both peated and unpeated malts; use of single pot still for part of the grain whisky production.
Ageing
Maturation in dunnage and racked warehouses; use of the local climatic influence (sea air/fog) as a defining element; experimentation with different types of casks.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Akkeshi
- Categories
- Japanese whisky
- Japanese single malt
- peated whisky
- blended whisky
- Hokkaido whisky
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- grains (where indicated: wheat, rice, buckwheat)
- water (sourced from the Homakai River area / local resources)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- bourbon
- sherry
- mizunara (Japanese oak)
- wine casks (red wine/Burgundy)
- rum casks
- Representative products
- Whisky Daikan Blended 70cl - Akkeshi
- Whisky Ritto Single Malt Peated 70cl - Akkeshi
- Whisky Seimei Single Malt Peated 70cl - Akkeshi
- Whisky Taisho Blended 70cl - Akkeshi
- Whisky Usui Blended 70cl - Akkeshi
What makes it distinctive
- The '24 Sekki' series (twenty-four solar terms) alternating single malt and blended releases inspired by traditional Japanese seasons
- Equipment and pot stills supplied by Forsyth (production in traditional Scottish style)
- Use of mizunara casks and coastal warehouses that influence maturation
- International recognitions (WWA 2026 awards)