Kenten Jitsugyo Akkeshi Distillery Single Malt Release Information.
The second installment of the “Nishinibun” Special Bottles. Introducing the details of the Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky “Shunbun” bottle.
Positioned as a special bottle in the Akkeshi Distillery’s Nijushisekki series, the “Nishinibun” bottles.
Following last February’s release of the “Single Blended Whisky Touji,” this “Single Malt Shunbun” is the next installment.
1. Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky “Shunbun”
The time of spring dawn, when cherry blossoms bud and herald a new season.
This final chapter in the Nijushisekki series is a single malt
a single malt generously crafted from malted barley sourced in Hokkaido.
It captures the terroir of Akkeshi in its aroma and flavor,
resulting in a whisky that embodies the essence of Akkeshi.Scheduled for release in late February 2026
*Tasting notes will be added here once released by the distillery.
Source: Kenten Jitsugyo Co., Ltd. Akkeshi Distillery Facebook Page
| Product Name | Akkes Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shunbun |
|---|---|
| Types of alcohol | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Ingredients | Mainly Hokkaido Malt Whisky |
| Types of casks | — |
| Number of bottles sold | Limited Quantity |
| Alcohol content | Unknown, likely 55% ABV as it is a single malt |
| Content Capacity | 700ml |
| Price | ¥29,700 (tax included) |
| Manufacturer | Kenten Jitsugyo Co., Ltd. Akkeshi Distillery |
2. What is the “Shunbun” in the Nijushisekki?
This release marks the 22nd installment the single malt “Shunbun”.
The Shunbun is one of the Nijushisekki, a turning point where day and night are nearly equal in length, and nature’s rhythm quietly shifts.
The lingering chill of winter begins to ease, sparrows start building nests, and the cherry blossom front becomes a topic of conversation. It is the time when the first signs of spring can be felt in the plants, trees, and air.
Simultaneously, the Shunbun Day is designated as a “day to honor nature and cherish all living things.” At the Imperial Palace, the “Shunki Koureisai” are performed.
This ritual, cherished since before the war, is one reason why “Shunbun Day” has been passed down as a “National holiday”.
The Nijushisekki Series from Akkeshi Distillery reaches its 22nd release. Only the solstice and equinoctial bottles remain: “Shunbun,” “Geshi,” and “Shuubun.”
As a special bottle, the label design has been completely revamped.
It also differs from the label of the previous Touji release.
This type of Touji label is also featured in the pamphlet distributed during the ” Touji Purchaser Campaign.”
The new Touji label design is in the center bottom.
Similar to the circular diagram showing the correspondence between the Nijushisekki and the horoscope found on all Akkeshi back labels, the character “Akkeshi” is prominently placed within a large circle, with other information depicted around it.
3. What is the Nijushisekki Series?
Starting with the release of the Single Malt Kanro in October 2020, Akkeshi Distillery has been releasing bottles approximately every three months as part of the “Nijushisekki Series.” They generally alternate between releasing Single Malts and Blended Whiskys.
The “Shunbun”, “Geshi”, “shuubun”, and “Touji” releases are designated as “Nishinibun Bottles”, featuring specially designed bottles.
| Release Date | Seasonal Name: Start of the Calendar Period | |
| Part 1 | October 28, 2020 | “Kanro”: Around October 8 |
| Part 2 | February 28, 2021 | “Usui”: Around February 19 |
| Part 3 | May 28, 2021 | “Boushu”: Around June 6 |
| Part 4 | Late August 2021 | “Shosho”: Around August 23 |
| Part 5 | Late November 2021 | “Rittou”: Around November 7 |
| Part 6 | Late February 2022 | “Daikan”: Around January 20 |
| Part 7 | Late May 2022 | “Seimei”: Around April 5 |
| Part 8 | Late August 2022 | “Taisho”: Around July 23 |
| Part 9 | Early December 2022 | “Taisetsu”: Around December 7 |
| Part 10 | Late February 2023 | “Keichitsu”: Around March 6 |
| Part 11 | Late May 2023 | “Shouman” : Around May 21 |
| Part 12 | Late August 2023 | “Hakuro” : Around September 8 |
| Part 13 | Late November 2023 | “Shousetsu”: Around November 23 |
| Part 14 | Late February 2024 | “Risshun” : Around February 4 |
| Part 15 | Late May 2024 | “Kokuu” : Around April 20 |
| Part 16 | Late August 2024 | “Shousho”: Around July 7 |
| Part 17 | Late November 2024 | “Soukou” : Around October 23 |
| Part 18 | Late February 2025 | “Touji”: Around December 21 |
| Part 19 | Late May 2025 | “Rikka” : Around May 5 |
| Part 20 | Late August 2025 | “Risshuu” : Around August 7 |
| Part 21 | Late November 2025 | “Shoukan” : Around January 5 |
| Part 22 | Late February 2026 | “Shunbun”: Around March 20 |
3. The Appeal of the Akkeshi Distillery
Acquired “Hokkaido HACCP Certification” in December 2021.
It became the first domestic craft whisky distillery to obtain external HACCP certification.
Based on the company philosophy of ensuring food safety and quality control to consistently produce safe and reliable products, we achieved HACCP certification.
Overcoming numerous challenges and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality control, the certification was achieved in its 6th season of operation. You can feel the dedication to Japanese craftsmanship.
Reserve your distillery tour hosted by Conchiglie Roadside Station in Akkeshi-Chou here
Details about the Akkeshi Distillery are also covered in a separate article. ↓
https://en.jpwhisky.net/akkeshidistillery-2-43138/
4. Past Releases: Akkeshi Whisky “Nijushisekki Series”
A recap of the Akkeshi Whisky “Nijushisekki Series” previously released by Akkeshi Distillery.
Early products are likely only available at very limited locations now.
4-1. 2020 Releases
■Akkeshi Single Malt Whisky Kanro (Late October 2020 Release)
4-2. 2021 Releases
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Usui (Late February 2021 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Boushu (Released late May 2021)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shosho (Late August 2021 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Rittou (Late November 2021 Release)
4-3. 2022 Releases
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Daikan (Late February 2022 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Seimei (Late May 2022 Release)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Taisho (Late August 2022 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Taisetsu (Early December 2022 Release)
4-4. 2023 Releases
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Keichitsu (Late February 2023 Release)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shouman (Early May 2023 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Hakuro (Late August 2023 Release)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Shousetsu (Late November 2023 Release)
4-5. 2024 Releases
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Risshun (Late February 2024 Release)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Kokuu (Late May 2024 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shousho (Late August 2024 Release)
■Akkeshi Blended Whisky Soukou (Late November 2024 Release)
4-6. 2025 Releases
■Akkeshi Single Blended Whisky Touji (Release: Late February 2025)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Rikka (Late May 2025 Release)
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Risshuu (Late August 2025 Release)
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” .
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan.
(5). Whiskey Rising
This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found.
■Akkeshi Single Malt Japanese Whisky Shoukan (Late November 2025 Release)
