Retour Kurayoshi Distillery - Single Malt Japanese Whisky - The Matsui Single Cask Mizunara Cask
COUNTRY/REGION: Japan - Tottori
CATEGORY: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
COLOR: Amber
COMPOSITION: Grain brandy
ALCOHOL: 48 vol.
CONTENT: 70 cl
The tasting
Color Slightly amber.
Nose Delicate vanilla and spicy notes with hints of acacia honey.
Palate Powerful and delicate at the same time, this whisky releases an aromatic bouquet of oriental spices, caramel and malted barley.
The sommelier's advice
Temperature Serve between 16 and 18°C in a Glencairn whisky glass.
Food As an aperitif, digestif, on its own or for water lovers, we suggest a still, neutral, fresh spring water.
The Japanese sometimes accompany their fish meals with whisky served as mizuwari: the whisky is reduced by two-thirds water and a few ice cubes to give it an alcoholic strength equivalent to that of wine.
The distillery
The distillery Kurayoshi is a gem of Japan. Located in Tottori Prefecture, in the south of Honshu Island, this micro-distillery has been mastering the delicate arts of blending and refining for a century. Sake, shochu, and brandy have always been crafted in the purest Japanese tradition, thanks in part to the pure waters from nearby Mount Daisen.

In recent years, Shuzo Matsui has also developed a select range of whiskies known as Matsui. These include classic blends like Kurayoshi Pure Malt, as well as a series that pays homage to Japanese culture and its artists, featuring bottles illustrated by the greatest masters of Japanese painting, such as Hokusai and Kikukawa Eizan.
Spirits The Matsui Single Cask Mizunara Cask Single Malt Whisky from the Kurayoshi distillery is the masterpiece of the range created by Matsui Shuzo. This selection and blend of two of the best Single Malt lots offers smooth notes of vanilla and spices, with a hint of acacia honey, balancing power and delicacy. Aged for over three years in Japanese oak barrels (Mizunara), it releases a soft and refreshing aroma of malted barley, with notes of oriental spices and fine caramel, characterized by a restrained yet refined power and an admirable length. The unique finish, using spring water from the Tottori desert, adds an extra layer of subtlety.
Elaboration Aged for 3 years in Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, renowned for their rarity and unique, original flavors. Reduced with natural spring water from Mount Daisen.
AWARDS
AWARDS Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021 : 96/100