Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosetsu. Released in late November from Kenten Jitsugyo and Akkeshi Distillery. Characteristics, price and details are explained.
Kenten Jitsugyo Corporation, Akkeshi Distillery Facebook page has released information about the release of “Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosetsu” in late November 2023.
This will be the 13th release in the Akkeshi Whisky “Twenty-Four solar terms series”.
Twenty-Four solar terms was introduced from China. The year is divided into 24 equal parts and the seasons are named accordingly, such as Risshun and the Geshi.
Limited quantity, priced at 13,200 yen including tax.
The previous release was called “Single Malt Japanese Whisky Hakuro,” and this time it will be a blended release.
Reference: Akkeshi Distillery Official Facebook
1. What is “Shosetsu” in the Twenty-Four solar terms?
Starting with the release of single malt Kanro in October 2020, Akkeshi Distillery has been selling a new product about every three months as part of the “Twenty-Four solar terms series.”
| Release Date | Names of the Twenty-Four solar terms | |
| The first release | October 28, 2020 | Kanro: around October 8 |
| The second release | February 28, 2021 | Usui: around February 19 |
| The third release | May 28, 2021 | Boshu: around June 6 |
| The fourth release | Late August, 2021 | Shosho: around August 23 |
| The fifth release | Late November, 2021 | Ritto: around November 7 |
| The sixth release | Late February, 2022 | Daikan: around January 20 |
| The seventh release | Late May, 2022 | Seimei: around April 5 |
| The eighth release | Late August, 2022 | Taisho: around July 23 |
| The ninth release | Early December, 2022 | Taisetsu: around December 7 |
| The tenth release | Late February, 2023 | Keichitsu: around March 6 |
| The eleventh release | Late May, 2023 | Shoman: around May 21 |
| The twelfth release | Late August, 2023 | Hakuro: around September 8 |
| The thirteenth release | Late November, 2023 | Shosetsu: around November 23 |
The 13th release will be “Shosetsu”.
“Shosetsu” refers to the time of year when the sunlight weakens, autumn leaves begin to fall, and snow begins to fall on the mountains and other areas. Full-blown winter is just around the corner, and the cold gradually becomes more severe. It is necessary to be prepared for winter. It is considered as a guideline to prepare for the year-end gift.
The Shosetsu for 2023 is November 22. Also in 2023, it is about 15 days from November 22 to December 7, the 21st “Taisetsu” of the next Twenty-Four solar terms.
2. Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosetsu
Information released by the Akkeshi Distillery is listed below.
The golden leaves of the fallen pine trees in the mountains are falling in the autumn.
The pure white whooper swans that fly to Lake Akkeshi invite the first snowfall.
The end of the year is filled with smiles as people warm themselves with peat-covered whisky from Akkeshi.Tasting notes:
<Aroma> Potapota-yaki, hot egg omelet with a dash of soy sauce, honey lemon, and a hint of raisin
<Taste> Smoke, citrusy acidity and sweetness
<Aftertaste> Poivre rosé, orange sauce, salted lemonReference: Facebook page of Akkeshi Distillery
| Product Name | Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosetsu |
|---|---|
| Distinction by alcohol | Blended Whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt, Grain |
| Cask type | ー |
| Sales quantity | Limited quantity |
| Degrees of alcohol content | 48％ |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Price | 13,200 yen (tax included) |
| Producer | Akkeshi Distillery |
3. Attractions of the Akkeshi Distillery
Obtained “Hokkaido HACCP Certification” in December 2021.
We are the first craft whisky distillery in Japan to receive external HACCP certification.
The acquisition of HACCP certification was achieved based on the “Company Philosophy” of always producing safe and secure products through thorough food safety and quality control.
The company overcame a number of difficulties and persisted in thorough quality control, acquiring the certification in its sixth season of operation. We feel their commitment to Japanese craftsmanship. I have high expectations for further improvement in sake quality.
Click here for reservations for distillery tours organized by Conchiglie, a roadside station in Akkeshi-cho.
4. Akkeshi Whisky “Twenty-Four solar terms series” released in the past
Let’s review the Twenty-Four solar terms Series released by the Akkeshi Distillery in the past.
4-1. 2020 release
■Akkeshi Single Malt Whisky Kanro (Released on October 28, 2020)
4-2. 2021 Release
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Usui (Released on February 28, 2021)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Boshu (Released on May 28, 2021)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosho (Released in late August, 2021)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Ritto (Released in late November, 2021)
4-3. 2022 Release
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Daikan (Released in late February, 2022)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Seimei (Released in late May, 2022)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Taisho (Released in late August 2022)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Taisetsu (Released in early December, 2022)
4-4. 2023 Release
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Keichitsu (Released in late February, 2023)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shoman (Released in late May, 2023)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Hakuro (Released in late August, 2023)
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
