Akashi Ume (Plum) Whisky

Located just a rockÕs skip away from Kobe Bay, ocean-laden air is reflected in this whiskyÕs savory, saline driven purity. The town of Akashi, translated as the ÒSun Rise City,Ó dates back over 500 years. Here, less than 100 yards from the ocean, the ownerÕs family has been making traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages, like sake, for over three centuries. Founded in 1888, Eigashima Shuzo holds JapanÕs first whisky license, issued in 1919, and remains JapanÕs smallest whisky producer, comprised of a five-person team. Serious malt production at this distillery did not begin until 1984, when the current copper pot stills were put into action and a focus on premium whiskies began at their ÔWhite OakÕ facility. Following a program dedicated to crafting a refined, super-sippable whisky, production is limited to insure that quality is preeminent, making EigashimaÕs Akashi one of the rarest whiskies available today.