White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky is another newish whisky added to the American releases of Japanese whisky. Originally a sake distillery, White Oak distillery has been around since 1919 and is a whisky that’s been getting some attention lately, though not all of it positive.
In White Oak’s Words: White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky
“This is whisky blended in the scotch tradition, with Japanese precision, the malt is lightly peated, and vatting is mostly ex-bourbon, balanced by White Oak’s unique variety of barrels.
TASTING NOTES: The nose is very fruity with apricots and dried fruits, and a shy note of honey.”
I don’t have a whole lot else to say about this whisky and it’s…well… just read the White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky review below.
White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky Info
Region: Japan
Distiller: White Oak
Mashbill: Japanese Single Malt + Japanese Grain Whisky
Cask: mostly ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price: $40
White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Young spirity vanilla, caramel syrup, spice and a watery herbal quality. It’s not the worst young blended whisky I’ve had, but it’s in the neighborhood.
PALATE
The palate mimics the nose and comes across as young and spirity. There’s a weak malty character that arises while sipping on it, but it doesn’t manifest in a way that balances it out or adds any richness. Minor hints of caramel hide beneath the large grain and alcohol notes.
FINISH
Short caramel, grain whisky, lemon peels and hint of spice and malt.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Not well balanced, thin body and a lax watery feel.
OVERALL
No… just no. This White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky is not a good whisky. It’s spirit driven and carries a vodka-like essence to it with just a hint of whisky flavoring. I don’t get any of the peat that’s supposed to be in it. Nor do I get any of the sherry sweetness that should be showing up from the sherry finishing.
Bottom line, the White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky either needs more years in the barrel or to use better barrels. It needs more of a whisky character and less of a new-make character, but hey at least it’s smooth…
SCORE: 68/100 (D+)
