Best Hokkaido Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Located in Japan’s northern most island of Hokkaido and further east than any other distillery in the country, production at Akkeshi Distillery started in 2016. The goal of Akkeshi Distillery is to blend traditional Scottish methods with the unique flavors of Akkeshi, Japan.
With extremely unique aromas and flavors unlike anything else these whiskies will be a delight to aficionados worldwide. Akkeshi Distillery is the true embodiment of craftsmanship and is on track to be a leader in the highest quality Japanese whisky world.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Niseko Distillery is a distillery located in the town of Niseko, in the Abuta District on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Surrounded by the Niseko Annupuri and Yotei mountains, the distillery utilizes high-quality water characteristic of regions with abundant snowfall, contributing to the production of whisky and gin with delicate and balanced flavors.
The distillery focuses on crafting whisky and gin, incorporating local ingredients such as sweet gale and Japanese mint. Their "Ohoro GIN" is particularly renowned for its clarity and smoothness, with light citrus aromas, making it ideal for cocktails such as gin and tonic or martinis.
AWARDS

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

World's Best Classic Gin - Winner
2024

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Niseko Distillery Spirits
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
BEST Hokkaido Wine Wines
Best Hokkaido Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

World's Best Classic Gin - Winner
2024
This is the eleventh release in Akkeshi’s now infamous Twenty-Four Season series. Shoman which is the eighth season in the solar year, represents a time when life is beginning to flourish after the thaw of winter. Shoman comes from the phrase “nature thrives” when crops begin to yield new growth, promising a fruitful harvest.
In Akkeshi the cherry trees’ leaves have begun to turn a pale pink, signaling the full beauty of spring that is to come. This malt and grain blended whisky uses whisky matured in Hokkaido Mizunara its main blending element that is vatted with whisky matured in a variety of barrels including ex-rum casks.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
The Akkeshi 24 Seki Series returns with its 12th release, Hakuro, which reflects the seasonal transition from summer to autumn. This single malt, aged primarily in mizunara barrels, highlights sandalwood, honey, and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is rich, smoky, and subtly sweet with flavors of persimmon, while the finish delivers bittersweet chocolate, black tea, and smoky incense.
Hakuro captures the essence of seasonal change with its unique flavor profile.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Akkeshi "Keichitsu" Single Malt 55% ABV, the tenth release in the "Twenty-Four Season Series," captures the essence of early spring, when the earth awakens and new life begins to bloom. This whisky evokes the warmth of the first spring sunshine, offering a delightful balance of subtle sweetness and rich peat.
Its flavor profile combines notes of mandarin, honey, black tea, and bittersweet chocolate, creating a harmonious and refreshing dram that mirrors the beauty and energy of the season. A perfect choice to enjoy as spring’s first buds bloom.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Akkeshi Taisetsu “The Great Snowfall” Single Malt Whisky 55% ABV, the ninth release in the "24 Seki Series," embodies the tranquil beauty of the deep winter season. As the shortest days bring snow-covered landscapes and peaceful stillness, this whisky offers a vibrant yet balanced flavor profile.
It highlights refreshing notes of winter citrus, complemented by the richness of Darjeeling tea, honey cakes, and a touch of umami. Aged in a unique combination of Hokkaido Mizunara, ex-bourbon, sherry, and red wine barrels, this peated whisky delivers a refined, layered experience perfect for winter contemplation.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
AWARDS

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2022
Akkeshi Boshu 2021, part of the renowned "24 Solar Terms" series, captures the essence of early summer in Japan's Akkeshi Bay. Distilled from malt grown in the coastal climate, this whisky is rich with layers of flavor that evoke the season. The nose is filled with warm, inviting notes of milk chocolate, dried fruits, and a nutty sweetness, intertwined with hints of bonfire smoke and subtle peat.
The finish lingers with a tide-like saltiness, balanced by bitter cacao, a citrus-like acidity, and sugar syrup sweetness, offering a beautifully complex and refreshing whisky experience.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2022
Akkeshi "Ritto" Single Malt 55% ABV is a remarkable whisky, showcasing the deepening flavors of the winter season in northern Japan. This 5th release in the "24 Sekki" Series reflects the delicate transition to winter, capturing the essence of Hokkaido's locally grown barley.
With a rich and evolving profile, it offers a harmonious blend of brown sugar sweetness, fruit basket nuances, and a unique twist of chocolate soy sauce. The vibrant sweetness and acidity of citrus fruits are balanced with white pepper and barbecue smokiness, finishing with a delightful sweet orange note, making it a complex and bold choice for whisky enthusiasts.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2022
Sarorun Kamuy, translating to "white crane" in the Ainu language, is the first official single malt from the Akkeshi Distillery, nestled in the stunning natural landscapes of northern Hokkaido. Aged in a variety of casks, including Mizunara, bourbon, sherry, and red wine, this whisky has quickly gained recognition, earning a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the "Other Single Malt" category.
With only 3,000 bottles released in the US, Sarorun Kamuy offers a unique tasting experience, featuring delightful notes of strawberry, chocolate, yuzu citrus, cherries, and vanilla, creating a beautifully balanced and complex profile.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2021
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