Akashi Meisei is a White Oak Distilleries offering intended exclusively for the French market. It is created using a 45% American oak-aged single malt. Meisei translates roughly as “celebrity” and is a fitting name to this addition to the Akashi line.

It strikes the nose with almost American notes of wood spices, vanilla and oak but this quickly gives way to a peppery sweetness and slight grainy taste on the tongue.

The finish is surprisingly smooth and refined and ideal in a whiskey intended for sipping rather than mixing.