Kurayoshi 18YO

Founded in 1910, Matsui Whisky is located in Tottori Prefecture, northwest of Kyoto, on the shore of the Sea of Japan. With a house philosophy to create “whisky to be loved by everyone,” Matsui offers a range of 100% Japanese-distilled single malt whiskies, as well as pure malt and blended whiskies, gin, and umeshu. Known historically as both a sake brewery and shochu distillery, Matsui is now recognized the world over for whisky production thanks to its Kurayoshi Distillery. Named for the city in which the distillery is located, the name Kurayoshi originates from the phrase kurashiyoshi and translates to “good living“.

The high-alcohol strength of this whiskey is apparent on the nose, which is dominated by pepper, clove, and star anise spices. A mouth-drawing concoction that begins softly, with honey, orange, and apple peel, then grows in scale at the expense of the sweetness. There’s a takeover by root ginger and bitter fruit skins. The long-lasting finish reverberates with crackling spices and sour fruits.