Kurayoshi, Tottori, Matsui Single Malts, & San-In
Matsui Shuzou was founded in 1910 and is located in the Tottori Prefecture northwest of Kyoto on the shore of the Sea of Japan. Fresh ground water from the Tottori prefecture wilderness is a blessing from the earth and is used to bring the Kurayoshi Whisky to proof. It is a very tasty, mellow characteristic of whisky deserving of the name Kurayoshi, the city of water and green. Tottori is known for its soft mineral water and abundance of nature. Over 14% of the total land area of the prefecture is designated as Natural Park.
Kurayoshi
Kurayoshi Malt Whisky 46% abv, 750ml – This pure malt whisky has been aged for more than 3 years in ex-Bourbon White Oak Casks. It has a soft malt aroma that is fragrant and refreshing. Flavors of raisins, nuts, and vanilla create a balance of tart and sweet that harmoniously spreads throughout your mouth.
Kurayoshi 8yr Malt Whisky – 46% abv, 750ml – This whisky is aged in White Oak ex-Bourbon Barrels for over 8 years. This creates a whisky ripe and complex in flavor. The malt aromas and sweet refreshing fruit notes remind one of pale golden and dry orange colors. The palate is sweet and stands out with fragrances of vanilla and nuts. The mouth-feel is very soft.
Kurayoshi 12yr Malt Whisky – 46% abv, 750ml – The rich aroma of fragrant mixed nuts, including almonds and the heavy malt aroma spread throughout the mouth, giving a sense of the long-term maturation of over 12 years. Good vanilla and raisins with faint smokiness is felt. The long term aging gives an outstanding balance of tart and sweet. A soft and smooth finish remains.
Kurayoshi 18yr Malt Whisky – 50% abv, 750ml – A deep and rich fragrance of the highest quality makes you feel the long-term maturation of over 18 years. The complex and deep flavor profile joins the sweet taste of honey mixed with smoke and spice, a mellow sweetness of vanilla, and a refreshing touch of mint. It is a drink that can satisfy the best whiskey enthusiasts.
Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Malt Whisky – 46% abv, 750ml – A sweet aroma of berries and chocolate comes from this whisky aged in Oak Casks for over 3 years and then finished in Sherry Casks. It is complimented by a citrus-tart taste like lemon grass. It has a balanced aroma, and the palate is smooth with a lingering finish. It is very soft and recommended for all palates.
Kurayoshi 8yr Sherry Cask Malt Whisky – 46% abv, 750ml – Matured in Oak Casks and finished in fresh Sherry Casks, this whisky has sweet and mature aromas including raisins, pears, biscuits, and cookies created by over 8 years of aging. The Sherry Casks add a toasty warm quality to the whisky as well as a rich whisky-cask fragrance that is gorgeous and refreshing.
The Tottori
Tottori is the line of sourced blended whiskies brought together by the Kurayoshi distillery in Tottori, Japan. Kurayoshi is known for its fresh spring water which is best-suited for producing whisky. The name “Kurayoshi” in Japanese was originated from the phrase “Kurashiyoshi”, which is translated to “Good Living” in English.
The city is located near the Japan Sea, and there is a big gap in climate and temperature which advances the aging process comparing to the ones famous for whisky brewing in the world. It is no exaggeration to say that whisky is made by nature. Our distillery is operated with a small number of staff and each of us is committed to producing and delivering the best quality whisky to the hands of our consumers.
The Tottori Blended Japanese Whisky
This whisky is characterized by mellow sweetness and aroma. The mouth feel is refreshing with a faint fruity sweetness and an ornate finish. The finish is soft and lasting. Perfect for any style of drink, on the rocks, High Ball, and soon.
The Tottori Japanese Whisky Ex-Bourbon Barrel
Complex and elegant, but with rich vanilla and oak undertones from being matured in ex-bourbon barrels. A slightly bolder version of the Tottori Japanese Whisky.
The Matsui Single Malts
The Matsui Single Malt Sakura Cask 48% abv – This Single Malt distilled at the Kurayoshi Distillery is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and then transferred to Bourbon barrels that have had the heads swapped out for Sakura Oak for the last few months of maturation. Un-chillfiltered, Natural Color.
The Matsui Single Malt Mizunara Cask 48% abv – This Single Malt distilled at the Kurayoshi Distillery is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and then transferred to Bourbon barrels that have had the heads swapped out for Mizunara Oak for the last few months of maturation. Un-chillfiltered, Natural Color.
The Matsui Single Malt Peated 48% abv – This Single malt distilled from heavily peated barley at the Kurayoshi Distillery is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels. Un-chillfiltered, Natural Color.
The San-In Blended Japanese Whisky
Using carefully selected malt whisky and grain whisky, the sweet and refreshing taste of San-In evokes vanilla, pear, and a fruity finish. The melow taste of San-In is further improved by using soft spring water from Mt. Daison.
The San-In Blended Whisky 700 ml 40% alc
2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Gold
2020 International Spirits Challenge – Gold
Appearance: Golden Brown
Aroma: Pear, Vanilla, Apricot
Taste: Melon, Pear, & Ginger bring a slight vanilla incense with the taste of fruity pears and a smooth, light mouthfeel resulting from the soft spring water of Mt. Daison.
The San-In ex-Bourbon Barrel Whisky 700 ml 43% alc
Appearance: Cinnamon Brown
Aroma: Vanilla, Maple Syrup
Taste: Orange zest, lemongrass, and vanilla. Smooth and mellow mouthfeel with hints of biscuit, a faint vanilla aroma, and fruity notes of pear on the finish.