The Akkeshi Single Malt Spirit Sarorunkamuy Lightly-Peated is one of the most significant early bottlings from the still-young Akkeshi Distillery on the Japanese island of Hokkaidō. At 55% ABV in a 0.2-litre bottle and presented in a high-quality gift box (GB), this bottling marks an important milestone in the distillery’s history, as it is considered Akkeshi’s first single malt. Bottled in January 2020 and limited to just 10,000 bottles worldwide, this edition became a sought-after collector’s item within just a few years of its release. The name Sarorunkamuy comes from the language of the indigenous Ainu people and refers to the red-crowned crane, a symbol of good fortune and longevity.


For this lightly peated expression, distillates from various cask types were blended. Maturation took place in a combination of bourbon casks, sherry casks, red wine casks and rare Mizunara oak casks, which lend the whisky additional depth and the characteristic spicy wood notes of Japanese oak. Despite its robust 55% ABV, the Akkeshi Single Malt Spirit impresses with a harmonious balance between fruit, sweetness, subtle spice and elegant peaty smoke. The careful selection of casks and the distillery’s coastal location contribute significantly to the distinctive style of this exceptional Japanese bottling.