Eigashima whisky is brewed in a distillery with a long tradition that initially had nothing to do with whiskey. Eigashima Shuzo founded the distillery in 1888 not far from the city of Kobe to produce shochu and sake. In 1984, a new facility called the "White Oak Distillery" was built with separate rooms for Eigashima whiskey and the two national drinks. Unfortunately, production collapsed shortly afterwards due to the high alcohol tax. Mainly because imported whiskey from Ireland and Scotland was much cheaper. However, the popularity of this spirit from Japan is currently increasing again and it has long been an insider tip among whiskey connoisseurs.
Eigashima White Oak Gold
The Eigashima Whisky White Oak Gold is a lovely whiskey for every day. This blend is stored in oak barrels for at least three years and develops a pleasant aroma with an alcohol content of 39 percent by volume. The fine, soft Eigashima whisky impresses with aromas of peach and wasabi. Its taste is reminiscent of caramel and vanilla with a certain oak note.
Eigashima White Oak Red
This slightly milder Eigashima whisky, with an alcohol content of 37 percent, matures in oak barrels for a little less than three years. But it is in no way inferior to the White Oak Gold. This Eigashima whisky combines the aromas of malt, oak and honey. The taste is reminiscent of cherries, chocolate and coffee.
Eigashima White Oak Akashi Blended Whiskey Red
In contrast to the normal Akashi Blended Whisky, the soft, round Eigashima White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky Red is only available in Japan. This aromatic 40% Eigashima Whiskey is made from selected malt and grain whiskeys. This gives it its incomparable scent and taste of honey and citrus fruits. Aromas of cinnamon and vanilla with an exotic hint of wasabi also come to the fore. A truly noble composition for connoisseurs.
Eigashima White Oak Akashi Blend Whiskey
This Eigashima whisky is similar to the Eigashima White Oak Akashi Blended Whisky Red in many ways. What is striking, however, is the long-lasting aroma in the finish and the pleasant woody note.
This 40% Eigashima whiskey is also dominated by aromas of citrus fruits, honey and spices. A true delight for all lovers of this fine spirit.
Eigashima White Oak Akashi Sea Anchor Blended Whiskey
This 40% Eigashima whisky is an absolute rarity and only available in Japan, so the delivery time may be longer, as with some other Eigashima whiskey varieties. Lovers of fine whiskeys will be surprised at the variety of Japanese Eigashima whiskeys to offer.
Summary
The Eigashima distillery began producing shochu in 1919 in Hyogo Prefecture near the city of Kobe.
In 1984, the business was expanded to include whisky production with the construction of a new wing on the company premises.
The distillery produces single malt and blended whiskies with imported malt from the Scottish malthouse Scotgraini and water from its own well.
Technical information about the Eigashima distillery (White Oak):
- Mash tuns: 1x 6,000 liters made of stainless steel
- Fermentation tanks: 4x 10,000 liters made of stainless steel
- Stills: 1 “Wash Still” with 5,000 litres capacity and a “Spirit Still” with 2,500 litres capacity heated by steam
- Annual distillation capacity: 60,000 liters of alcohol
