From the Kurayoshi Distillery, 43% ABV, 700 ml
‘Japanese Whisky of the Year’ and ‘Japanese Single Malt of the Year.’ By Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2024
This fine single malt whisky comes from one of Japan’s newest up and coming whisky producers – Matsui. The owner’s of the Kurayoshi distillery have burst onto the scene in 2019 with a number of exciting whiskies, but this non-age-statement Matsui Sakura Cask expression that is one if the whisky that has been making waves and has been lauded by fans and critics alike.
Founded in 1910, Matsui Shuzou Distillery sits just northwest of Kyoto, facing the Sea of Japan in the Tottori Prefecture. This distillery is directly within sight of Mount Daisen — a volcanic peak rising more than a mile above the surrounding fertile plains. This volcanic environment has a spring water source used to distill their Sake, Shōchū, and Whisky and bring it to proof. This distinctive water has filtered through the volcanic stone for eons — resulting in an incredibly pure, distinctive soft mineral composition.