Akkeshi Whisky Review. Where can I buy the 24 solar terms price? Lottery hometown tax?

Japanese whiskey has been gaining popularity in recent years. One of the most talked about brands is Akkeshi Whisky's 24 Solar Terms series . This is a local Hokkaido whiskey brand, and has a different appeal from whiskeys made by Suntory and Nikka Whisky.
This time, we will be looking at the characteristics of Akkeshi Whisky and the reasons for its popularity. We will also be introducing the currently available 24 solar terms series, so please take a look for reference when choosing whiskey.

Akkeshi Whisky is an up-and-coming local whisky from Hokkaido.

Akkeshi whiskey with a similar appeal to Islay malt

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Akkeshi Whisky is one of the whiskey brands produced in Hokkaido . It is named after the distillery located in Akkeshi town, Hokkaido.
The manufacturer is a company called Kenten Jitsugyo, which was originally involved in the import and export of food. In recent years, they have established the "Akkeshi Distillery" in Akkeshi Town, Hokkaido, and have begun producing whiskey.
The land of Akkeshi is characterized by a foggy and humid climate, and this environment is said to be suitable for making whiskey. In particular, it resembles the home of whiskey, the island of Islay in Scotland , and at Akkeshi Distillery, whiskey is made with the idea of ​​"making whiskey like Islay malt using traditional Scottish methods."
Located in such a blessed environment, Akkeshi Distillery is particular about its distillation equipment and aging environment. They use equipment made by Forsyth of Scotland, which is also used in the original Islay, and they use peaty water for brewing, which ensures that the finished flavor is authentic . They use bourbon, sherry, and wine casks as well as rare Mizunara casks for aging, and create a wide variety of raw liquors.

Why Akkeshi Whisky is loved

A tour of the Akkeshi distillery. Drinking Akkeshi whiskey on site is the best.pic.twitter.com/KOjiFPboEI

— Nagumo (@Film_Walker) August 5, 2022

Akkeshi whiskey has a short history , having started distillation in 2016. It was first commercialized in 2018, with the first bottle released being "Akkeshi NEW BORN." Akkeshi whiskey is currently attracting a lot of attention in the market, and despite its short history, it is gaining popularity that is comparable to major whiskey brands such as Suntory and Nikka Whisky .
The reason why Akkeshi Whisky is so loved is that it has the same quality as the real Scottish whiskey, and there is a wide variety of bottles, most of which are rare . Akkeshi distillery produces a variety of whiskeys, but the lineup changes depending on the season, and most of the products released are limited editions .
The limited edition bottles are now hard to come by, and are often priced at several times the retail price on the market . As a result, Akkeshi is attracting a lot of attention from collectors and investors.

What is Akkeshi's Limited Edition Whisky 24 Solar Terms Series?

Akkeshi limited edition whiskey released every three months

Yesterday was the Great Heat according to the 24 solar terms.
The term "daishō" refers to the time when the summer heat really begins to set in.

In addition, the blended whiskies Taisho and Taikan from the Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series won silver medals in the Japanese Whisky category at the International Spirits Challenge 2023 held in the UK. #AkkeshiWhiskypic.twitter.com /GvkywxkX8h

— lounge_bar_selene (@SeleneLounge) July 24, 2023

Among Akkeshi's whiskeys, the "Twenty-Four Solar Terms Series" is particularly popular. This is a limited edition Akkeshi whiskey that went on sale in October 2020, with new releases released approximately once every three months . Each bottle has a different manufacturing method, ingredients, and theme, and the same bottle has not yet been re-released .
By the way, the 24 solar terms originally meant the division of the four seasons and climate. The year was divided into 24 seasons, such as "Beginning of Spring," "Vernal Equinox," "Summer Solstice," "Great Heat," "End of Heat," "Beginning of Winter," etc., and each season was assigned a name. The Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series also has each of these solar terms named after it . For example, there are bottles such as "Akkeshi Single Malt Whisky Kanro" and "Akkeshi Blended Whisky Ame-sui."
There are 24 solar terms, and so far Akkeshi Whisky has only released bottles up to the 10th edition . It is expected that new products with various names will be released in the future, so keep an eye out. Also, please note that Akkeshi Whisky is not released in the order of the actual 24 solar terms . If you want to collect the entire series, you should also take a look at what names each edition bottle has.

There are single malt and blended whiskeys.

The Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series uses a different method of whiskey brewing for each bottle. There are "single malt whiskey" and "blended whiskey" products , so let's compare the differences between the whiskeys.
The single malt series has a finish that makes it easy to feel the individuality of Akkeshi malt, and many of them have attractive peaty and citrus flavors . The alcohol content is also set higher than that of regular whiskey, giving it a rich and heavy impression.
On the other hand, the blended whisky bottle retains the distinctive characteristics of Akkeshi while also incorporating grains to create a well-balanced flavor . It is an easy-to-drink whisky even for beginners, and is also suitable as a highball or with a meal.
Among the Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series, there are bottles that meet the definition of Japanese whiskey . The type and genre of whiskey can be seen by looking at the name, label, and product information, so it is a must-read for those who want to find their favorite Akkeshi.

Characteristics, list price and distribution price of the 24 solar terms series from Kanro to Keichitsu

	Series name	release date
First installment	Single Malt Whisky Kanro	October 28, 2020
Part 2	Blended Whisky Rainwater	February 28, 2021
Third installment	Single Malt Japanese Whisky Manju	May 28, 2021
Fourth installment	Blended Japanese Whisky Shoshu	Late August 2021
Fifth installment	Single Malt Japanese Whisky Beginning of Winter	Late November 2021
Sixth installment	Blended Whisky Daikan	Late February 2022
Seventh installment	Single Malt Japanese Whisky Seimei	Late May 2022
Eighth installment	Blended whisky Daiatsu	Late August 2022
Ninth installment	Single Malt Japanese Whisky Daisetsu	Early December 2022
The Tenth	Single Malt Japanese Whisky Keichitsu	Late February 2023

[First release: Released in October 2020] Akkeshi Single Malt Whisky Kanro

• Ingredients: Malt
• Alcohol content: 55%
• Limited quantity: 15,000
• Price: 16,500 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 70,000 yen
• Kanro is the 17th of the 24 solar terms, and in the Gregorian calendar, it is the beginning of autumn around early October.

The single malt whiskey Kanro was released as the first in Akkeshi's 24 solar terms series. It is a luxury item, costing 16,500 yen per bottle, but it was limited to about 15,000 bottles, so it quickly became difficult to obtain. As of 2023, it is traded at around 70,000 yen .
The Kanro bottle is a blend of 3-year-aged raw liquor from wine, bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara barrels, and has a sweet, rich aroma reminiscent of dried fruit. This bottle has fresh sweetness of strawberries, oranges, and apples, and is recommended to be drunk straight or twice up while enjoying the aroma.

[Second release: Released in February 2021] Akkeshi Blended Whisky Rainwater

• Ingredients: Malt, Grain
• Alcohol content: 48%
• Limited quantity: 15,000
• Price: 11,000 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 30,000 yen
• Usui is the second of the 24 solar terms, which is around mid-February in the Gregorian calendar. It is the time when snow turns into water.

The Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series has alternated between single malt and blended whiskeys. The second release is a blended whiskey called Usui.
A bottle of blended whisky was slightly cheaper than the single malt, retailing for 11,000 yen. However, since it was a limited release in February 2021, it is now almost impossible to get it at the retail price.
Rainwater has the sweet and fragrant peat aroma typical of Akkeshi malt, with the lightness of Scottish grain added to it. It also has the refreshing taste of lemon, lime, and pear, making it very easy to drink.

[Third release: Released in May 2021] Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Manju

• Ingredients: Malt
• Alcohol content: 55%
• Limited quantity: 10,000
• Price: 16,500 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 60,000 yen
• Boshu is the ninth of the 24 solar terms, and is the beginning of June in the Gregorian calendar. It is the time when rice, wheat and other pear seeds are sown.

Mangshu is a single malt that meets the criteria for Japanese whiskey. The malt grown in the sea breeze of Akkeshi Bay is peated in Mizunara casks as the key malt , giving it an exquisite saltiness that blends with the smokiness of the peat.
Whisky that is close to Islay malt is a must-have for malt fans.

[Fourth release: Released in August 2021] Akkeshi Blended Japanese Whisky Tosho

• Ingredients: Malt, Grain
• Alcohol content: 48%
• Limited quantity: 10,000
• Price: 11,000 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 35,000 yen
• Shosho is the 14th of the 24 solar terms, which is around mid- to late August in the Gregorian calendar. It is the time when barley fields start to bear fruit.

Shosho is a blended whisky made up of more than half Akkeshi malt. It is a blended whisky that is perfect for midsummer, with a harmonious balance of peat and freshness. The blend is mainly made from bourbon barrels , and the flavor also has a noticeable sweetness like sugar and honey .
It is recommended to drink it straight, or with water or as a highball. Its unique character does not fade even when mixed.

[Fifth edition: Released in November 2021] Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Beginning of Winter

• Ingredients: Malt
• Alcohol content: 55%
• Price: 19,800 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 50,000 yen
• Rittō is the 19th of the 24 solar terms, and is early November in the Gregorian calendar. It is the beginning of winter on the calendar, and snow begins to appear in the northern regions.

Ritto is the fifth release of Akkeshi whiskey. Like the first and third releases, it is a single malt, but the list price of this bottle is higher.
This single malt is mainly aged in sherry casks and has a sweet, full-bodied flavor , and is sometimes compared to a chocolate-like sweetness and a brown sugar aroma. This is a recommended whiskey for those who like rich, mellow flavors.

[Sixth release: Released in February 2022] Akkeshi Blended Whisky Daikan

• Ingredients: Malt, Grain
• Alcohol content: 48%
• Price: 13,200 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 35,000 yen
• Daikan is the 24th of the 24 solar terms, and in the Gregorian calendar it is around mid- to late January. Temperatures can drop below freezing.

Daikan is the sixth bottle and is a blended whiskey. This one is also priced higher than the previous blended whiskeys.
This whiskey will keep you warm during the cold winter, and the key malt used is aged in Hokkaido's Mizunara oak barrels . The finished product has a weighty, rich flavor with the sweetness and gaiety of sherry and wine barrels.

[Seventh edition: Released in May 2022] Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Seimei

• Ingredients: Malt
• Alcohol content: 55%
• Price: 19,800 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 45,000 yen
• Qingming is the fifth of the twenty-four solar terms, and is the beginning of April in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time when the gentle spring sunshine makes us feel refreshed.

Seimei is a single malt whisky made with Hokkaido Mizunara oak as the key malt, which is mixed with bourbon casks, sherry casks, and wine casks.
This single malt has a rich flavor and bitter sweetness, with a hint of saltiness. The balance of sweetness and peat makes this a very pleasant drink .

[8th release: Released in August 2022] Akkeshi Blended Whisky Taisho

• Ingredients: Malt, Grain
• Alcohol content: 48%
• Price: 13,200 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 26,000 yen
• Taisho is the 12th of the 24 solar terms, and is around mid-July in the Gregorian calendar. It is said to be the hottest time of the year.

Taisho is a dry blended whisky with a slightly smoky peat flavor. It has a taste that combines sourness and spiciness with the peat and sweetness that is typical of Akkeshi. Although they are both blended whiskies, they have distinctly different personalities from the sweet-tasting Shosho bottle and the full-bodied Taikan.

[9th edition: Released in December 2022] Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Daisetsu

• Ingredients: Malt
• Alcohol content: 55%
• Price: 19,800 yen (tax included)
• Retail price: Approximately 45,000 yen
• Taisetsu is the 21st of the 24 solar terms, and is early December in the Gregorian calendar. It is the time when snow starts to fall heavily and Hokkaido is subject to severe cold.

Daisetsu is a single malt with a strong citrus flavor. You can enjoy the taste of winter with citrus fruits such as hassaku, mandarin orange, and lemon.
The aftertaste has a herbal tea-like nuance and a hint of oak. The peaty and smoky flavors characteristic of Akkeshi are still present.

[10th release: Released in February 2023] Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Keichitsu

• Ingredients: Malt
• Alcohol content: 55%
• Price: 19,800 yen (tax included)
• Keichitsu is the third of the 24 solar terms, which is early March in the Gregorian calendar. It is the time when creatures that have been entombed in the earth start to wake up.

The tenth release, Keichitsu, is the latest Akkeshi 24 solar terms bottle, released in February 2023. Until now, single malt and blended whiskey have been released alternately, but this time, single malt has been released for the second time in a row .
This is a whiskey with a strong peaty flavor, combined with fruity notes like tea and vanilla.

How to purchase the Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series! New lottery sales and regular price purchases

Try to buy the new bottle at the regular price through a lottery sale

There is a chance to buy the new Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series bottles at the regular price. However, they are rarely sold to the general public, so try to get a chance to take part in the lottery sales.
Lottery sales are held regularly at department stores and liquor stores . For example, as of March 2023, you can try to win bottles of "Kichitsu" and "Daisetsu" through lottery sales.
However, please note that older bottles from earlier years are already in low circulation and are difficult to obtain.

If you want to get a good deal, hometown tax donations are also recommended.

The Akkeshi 24 Solar Terms series may be available as a gift in return for hometown tax donations. You may be able to get it at a discount as a gift from Akkeshi Town, Hokkaido, so be sure to check it out.

Linkusus is recommended for purchasing rare whiskeys such as Akkeshi

Akkeshi whiskey is currently skyrocketing in price, and prices are expected to continue to rise in the future. It is also eligible for high prices at alcohol buying stores, so if you are thinking of selling it, we recommend using a buying store.
If you are selling Akkeshi, be sure to choose a buyer who specializes in buying whiskey. The liquor buying specialist store Linksus is also currently strengthening its Akkeshi purchases, so please make use of them.
Linkusus offers in-store purchases, on-site purchases, and mail-order purchases . You can also use the service just for consultations at no charge to the customer , so please contact us if you want to sell your property, find out the market price, or get a quote.
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summary

Akkeshi's 24 Solar Terms series has many fans of whiskeys with a peaty impression. There are single malt whiskeys and blended whiskeys, and the characteristics change depending on the lineup, so be sure to compare them. As of February 2023, the first ten series have been announced.
Many Akkeshi whiskeys are available for a limited time or in limited quantities, and bottles released in the past are highly valued. New products can be purchased at the regular price through a lottery, so be sure to check it out.