Akkeshi 3yo 2018/2025

Akkeshi 3yo 2018/2025

Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Hokkaido
Pale gold
57.7% ABV
Dram

Nose: Driftwood smoke, peat, white grapes, fresh cut grass, leather, charcoal ash, hints of photocopy paper. With water, soot, lemon juice, white grapes, hints of vanilla. 
Mouthfeel: Heavy body, loosens slightly, slippery, hot. 
Tasting:  Bitter sour. Charcoal ash, driftwood smoke, peat, ginseng, fresh cut grass, leather, autumn leaves, lemon zest, hints of photocopy paper. With water, driftwood smoke, soot, autumn leaves, fresh cut grass. 
Finish: Short. Chillies, ginseng, charcoal ash, soot, autumn leaves. 

Comments: 

Smoky, salty, lots of grassy earthy notes. Water brings out a bit of throat catching soot, and more earthiness. It’s also quite herbal and citrusy. Rather good whisky.

Verdict:

I like this a lot. 

Akkeshi 3yo 2018/2023

Akkeshi 3yo 2018/2023

Selection, Adelphi
Single malt - Hokkaido
Amber rose 
57.8% ABV
Dram

Nose: Smoke, peat, yoghurt, tyre rubber, germolene, hints of vanilla, hints of rhubarb and custard sweets. With water, tyre rubber, charcoal ash, vanilla, driftwood smoke. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens, tingly, cool. 
Tasting:  Sour bitter. Leather, vanilla, tyre rubber, driftwood smoke, lemon curd, charcoal ash, sour cream, hints of yoghurt. With water, driftwood smoke, strawberries, vanilla, hints of rhubarb and custard sweets. 
Finish: Medium. Lemon curd, driftwood smoke, charcoal ash, leather, peat. 

Comments: 

Cask 1011. Akkeshi is meant to replicate Lagavulin, and I must say they’ve done a very good job. I tasted this alongside a dram of Lagavulin 16yo, and the only thing missing was the seaweed notes, and slight additional tartness. Very nice indeed.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.