Akita, Japan

Akita, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, has a rich history of sake brewing, which laid the foundation for its whisky culture. The region's whisky production began relatively recently, influenced by Japan's broader whisky renaissance. Akita's distilleries have leveraged their deep-rooted expertise in fermentation and distillation, honed through centuries of sake production, to craft distinctive whiskies that reflect the region's unique terroir and climate.

What sets Akita apart is its meticulous approach to whisky-making, often incorporating local ingredients such as pristine water from the region's abundant natural springs. The climate, characterized by significant seasonal variations, contributes to the maturation process, imparting unique flavors to the whisky. Akita distilleries produce a range of styles, from light and floral to rich and complex, often experimenting with different cask finishes. An interesting fact is that some distilleries in Akita also age their whisky in sake barrels, creating a fusion of flavors that is distinctively Japanese.