Akashi Meisei

“Meisei” means celebrity — and this refined blend certainly lives up to its name.
Akashi Meisei is a refined Japanese whisky that tells the story of quiet mastery and coastal serenity. Produced by the White Oak Distillery in Hyogo Prefecture — one of Japan’s oldest licensed whisky producers — this expression captures the soul of Japanese craftsmanship in every drop. The name “Meisei”, meaning “famous or celebrated”, is a fitting tribute to its balance, elegance, and understated character.

A blend of malt and grain whiskies, with a higher malt content than the distillery’s standard blend, Akashi Meisei offers a beautifully rounded experience. Matured in American oak casks, it reveals gentle layers of vanilla, oak spice, and caramel sweetness, harmoniously intertwined with notes of dried fruit and soft smoke. On the palate, it’s smooth and graceful, with a warming depth that lingers long after each sip.

This whisky represents the essence of Japanese precision and restraint — not overpowering, but meticulously balanced. In Ireland, Akashi Meisei has become a favourite among whisky lovers who appreciate the subtle artistry of Japan’s coastal distillers, offering an elegant alternative to the bolder profiles of Scotch or Irish whiskey.

Why we love it:
We love Akashi Meisei because it embodies everything that makes Japanese whisky so captivating: finesse, balance, and quiet confidence. Its slightly higher malt content gives it an expressive richness without losing the trademark smoothness that defines the White Oak style. It’s a perfect introduction for anyone looking to explore Japanese whisky — approachable, thoughtful, and effortlessly refined.