Akkeshi Blended Whisky Koku. Released in late May from kenten Jitsugyo and Hokkaido Akkeshi Distillery. Features, price and details are explained.
From the Facebook page of kenten Jitsugyo Corporation, Akkeshi Distillery, late May 2024.
The information about the release of “Akkeshi Blended Whisky Koku” was released from the Facebook page of Keten Jitsugyo Co.
This is already the 15th in the “24 solar terms Series”.
The 24 solar terms Series were introduced from China. The year is divided into 24 equal parts and the seasons are named accordingly, including the vernal equinox and summer solstice.
The limited quantity and price will be 16,500 yen including tax, based on the previously announced price revision.
The coloring of the label this time is vivid, yet graceful and beautiful, and seems to be based on the image of the Fugensakura.
Reference: Akkeshi Distillery official Facebook
1. what is “Koku” in the 24 seasons?
Starting with the release of single malt Kanro in October 2020, Akkeshi Distillery has been selling a new product about every three months as ” 24 solar terms Series”.
| Names of the 24 Seasonals | Release Date | |
| 1st | Single Malt Whisky Kanro | Released on October, 2020 |
| 2nd | Blended Whisky USUI | Launched on February , 2021 |
| 3rd | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Boushu | Launched on May, 2021 |
| 4th | Blended Whisky Shosho | To be released on August, 2021 |
| 5th | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Rittou | Launched on November, 2021 |
| 6th | Blended Whisky Daikan | Launched on February, 2022 |
| 7th | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Seimei | Launched on May, 2022 |
| 8th | Blended Whisky Taisho | Launched on August, 2022 |
| 9th | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Taisetsu | Launched on December , 2022 |
| 10th | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Keichitsu | Launched on February , 2023 |
| 11th | Blended Whisky Shoman | Launched on May , 2023 |
| 12th | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Hakuro | Launched on August , 2023 |
| 13th | Blended Whisky Shosetsu | Launched on November, 2023 |
| 14th | Single Malt Japanese Whisky Risshun | Launched on February, 2024 |
| 15th | Blended Whisky Koku | Launched on May , 2024 |
The 15th issue, “Kokuu,” will be released this time.
The word “koku” comes from the phrase “hyakkoku harusame,” meaning “rain falls and moistens a hundred grains.” The climate, which has been changing frequently, has stabilized, and this is the perfect season for sowing seeds. During this season, soft and warm rain falls to moisten the fields and nurture the sprouts. Kogure-rain is also a seasonal word for spring.
In 2024, the “Koku” will be on April 19.
2. kokuu, an Akkeshi blended Whisky
Information released by the Akkeshi Distillery is shown below.
The Fugensakura in Akkeshi-cho starts to wear pale, neat, light pink flowers around the time of “Koku” (Rainy Season).This time, Akkeshi’s “Koku” is also a traditional classic blend.
More than half of the whole is malt whisky from the Akkeshi distillation,
The malt whisky from the Akkeshi distillation is lavishly blended to pursue a deep taste and a good drinking experience.Tasting Notes:
Sweet aroma of freshly peeled sweet summer, quince, and fruit parfait
Honeyed pancake, coffee
Anise, nuts, freshly brewed orange teaReference: Facebook page of Akkeshi Distillery
| Product name | Akkeshi Blended Whisky Koku |
|---|---|
| Alcohol type | Blended Whisky |
| Ingredients | Malt, Grain |
| Cask type | – |
| Sales quantity | Limited quantity |
| alcohol content | 48% (with a minimum of 2.5 percent alcohol) |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Price | 16,500 yen (tax included) |
| Producer | Akkeshi Distillery |
Attractiveness of the Akkeshi Distillery
Acquired “Hokkaido HACCP certification” in December 2021.
The distillery was the first craft Whisky distillery in Japan to obtain external HACCP certification.
We acquired HACCP certification based on our “company philosophy” of always producing safe and secure products through thorough food safety and quality control.
We overcame numerous difficulties and persisted in thorough quality control, and acquired the certification in our sixth season of operation. We feel their commitment to Japanese craftsmanship. We look forward to further improvement of sake quality.
For reservations for distillery tours organized by Conchiglie, a roadside station in Akkeshi-cho, click here
4. “24 solar terms Series” of Akkeshi Whisky released in the past
Let’s review the Twenty-Four Season 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. Release in 2021
Akkeshi Blended Whisky Usui (released on February 28, 2021)
Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Boshu (released on May 28, 2021)
Akkeshi Blended Whisky “Shosho” (to be 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 late Feb. 2022)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Seimei (released in late May 2022)
Akkeshi Blended Whisky “Taisho” (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 2023/2)
Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shoman (released in late May 2023)
Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Hakuro (released in late August 2023)
Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shousetsu (2023/Late November release)
4-5. 2024 release
Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Risshun (2024/Late February release)
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.
