Michele Picone - Akashi & Yamazakura (Gruppo Meregalli)

“The concept of Shokunin accompanies the history and evolution of these two historic Japanese distilleries through the centuries to the present day, offering an exceptional range of products.”

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“Shokunin is the Japanese art of seeking perfection. A Shokunin is someone who dedicates their life to the pursuit of excellence, engaging in a process of continuous improvement and sharing their craft with others.”

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Michele Picone - Meregalli Spirit Specialist, introduces the distinguished Akashi and Yamazakura brands.

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Akashi

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The Eigashima Distillery (also known as White Oak Distillery), located in the city of Akashi in the Hyogo Prefecture, near the renowned Kobe and just a few kilometers from Osaka, holds the distinction of being one of Japan’s oldest distilleries. 

It was, in fact, the first in the country to receive a whisky production license in 1919. However, true whisky production did not commence until the 1960s.

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Despite its impressive quality, whisky is not the main focus of the distillery, Eigashima remains primarily dedicated to producing sake and shochu. 

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Before venturing into authentic whisky production, the distillery crafted a whisky-like spirit by infusing alcohol with flavors, a product known as White Oak, after which the distillery takes its name.

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The Akashi brand was officially introduced in 2007, and in 2010, it was brought to Europe by Whisky du Monde (a partner of Meregalli), where it quickly gained recognition and success.

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Tasting Notes

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Akashi Single Malt
The distillery’s entry-level expression, aged in bourbon casks. Woody with notes of almond and subtle spice. A product with a strong profile, perfect for highball, as for Japanese tradition.

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Akashi Blended Ume
An example of the distillery’s experimentation, this refined blend is finished in umeshu casks, resulting in a fruitier, rounder whisky than traditional expressions. A unique product with great potential for mixology.

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Akashi Meïsei Deluxe
Aged in bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, this is a more classic whisky, well-balanced with woody and fruity notes.

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Yamazakura

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Founded in 1946, the Asaka Distillery, home to the Yamazakura brand, is situated in Fukushima Prefecture. Originally established by the Sasanokawa Shuzo company, renowned for sake production, the distillery has been instrumental in shaping Japan’s whisky landscape. 

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In the 1980s, Sasanokawa Shuzo played a pivotal role in preserving Japanese whisky heritage by assisting the now-iconic Hanyu distillery during its financial struggles.

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Nestled in a region where mountain breezes from Mount Bandai create an ideal maturation environment, the Asaka Distillery began its own whisky production with a deep respect for craftsmanship and tradition. 

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The name “Yamazakura” combines “Yama” (mountain) and “Sakura” (cherry blossom), symbolizing both the strength and fleeting beauty of Japanese whisky.

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Tasting Notes

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Yamazakura Blended Whisky
The expression of a classic Japanese whisky, a blend with 20% malted barley, aged in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso sherry, and bourbon casks. Floral and sweet on the nose, with pleasant cereal and fruity notes on the palate.

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Yamazakura Single Cask Peated Whisky
An exceptionally well-balanced peated whisky, lightly smoky yet truly special. Very few bottles are available in Italy (and worldwide), making it a rare and worthy purchase if you come across it.

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Both Akashi and Yamazakura exemplify the Japanese whisky philosophy, precision, patience, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Whether you seek a delicate, well-balanced dram or a more complex, smoky experience, these expressions showcase the rich diversity of Japan’s whisky craftsmanship.

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More than just a drink, Japanese whisky is a work of art, each sip revealing new layers of depth and complexity. To experience it is to embark on a journey of discovery, one that I invite you to savor for yourself.

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Michele Picone:
https://www.instagram.com/mchlpcn/

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Gruppo Meregalli:‍

https://www.instagram.com/gruppomeregalli/

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