The Kurayoshi 18 years

The Kurayoshi 18 Years is an 18-year-old pure malt whisky from Matsui Shuzo in Tottori, Japan, matured in white oak casks and bottled at 43%. Its long maturation creates a rich and layered character with honey, vanilla, citrus fruit, toasted oak, refined spices and a subtle touch of smoke.

Bottler Matsui Whisky

Distillery / brand Kurayoshi

Country Japan

Content Size 0.7 liter

Alc/vol 43%

Age 18 years

Flavour Profiles Mild and refined

EAN 4954621000917

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€ 229,95

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The Kurayoshi 18 years

Tasting Notes by Jim Murray (Whisky Bible 2022): 95.5 points

n23.5 such a delicate nose: rice paper infused with the lightest heather-honey and the most apologetic nuance of smoke…;

t24 just brilliant…! Though the heather-honey is little more than a coded message on the nose, it arrives on the palate like an Emperor upon a throne. And although salivating, there is a depth beyond the simple broadcast of sugar and grist. Sugars are extracted from the tannins, also and these have a spicy hue. This is all about layering and subtlety, and it is hard to imagine that they could have got it better than this…;

f24 the spices buzz on. A little cocoa bitterness now as the honey tones have receded. A little molasses compensates excellently;

b24 a malt which celebrates its great age in style and considerable complexity. Indeed, so complex, each mouthful brings you a little stand and nuance you are sure wasn’t there before. Definitely knocking on the door as Japanese Whisky of the Year. 50% ncf

Kurayoshi Distillery

Kurayoshi Distillery is located in Japan's serene Tottori Prefecture, a region known for its pristine nature and pure water sources. Founded by Matsui Shuzo, a company with a rich history dating back to 1910, Kurayoshi only started producing whisky in 2015. Previously, Matsui Shuzo was best known for producing sake and shochu, but the growing international demand for Japanese whisky led to the creation of Kurayoshi Distillery.

A unique feature of Kurayoshi Distillery is the use of pure water from nearby Daisen Mountain, which contributes to the freshness and smoothness of their whiskies. The whiskies are matured in various types of casks, including ex-bourbon and sherry casks, which creates a rich, complex flavour with well-balanced notes of honey, vanilla, and subtle spices.

Kurayoshi whiskies are known for their refined and elegant character, which is reflected in the careful selection and blending of whiskies that vary in age and cask maturation. The combination of a unique location, high-quality ingredients and a strong commitment to quality makes Kurayoshi Distillery an important name in the world of Japanese whisky.

Nose

Rich malt, honey and vanilla are complemented by lemon peel, dried grass and toasted oak. Soft floral aromas and a gentle touch of smoke develop in the background.

Palate

Full and smooth with honey, candied lemon, orange and brown sugar. Black tea, vanilla, mint and warming spices add depth, followed by toasted oak and a subtle smoky note.

Finish

Long and balanced with vanilla, malt, spiced oak and refreshing mint. A gentle combination of honey and smoke lingers pleasantly.

Kurayoshi is a whisky brand of Matsui Shuzo, a Japanese drinks producer established in Tottori Prefecture in 1910. The company initially focused mainly on sake and shochu before expanding into whisky, gin and other spirits. Whisky production at Kurayoshi Distillery began in 2017, in an area known for pure water from Mount Daisen and clearly defined seasonal temperature changes.

A distinction should be made between Kurayoshi Pure Malt and the single malt introduced later. The Pure Malt releases are composed malt whiskies and should therefore not automatically be regarded as Japanese whisky distilled entirely at Kurayoshi. The single malt, however, is distilled in Tottori Prefecture and reduced to bottling strength with local spring water.

Matsui Shuzo uses casks including white oak, sherry, wine, mizunara and sakura wood for maturation and finishing. The resulting character can range from soft and malty to fruity, spicy and distinctly oak-driven. Kurayoshi is therefore best understood as a brand in which Japanese blending, cask selection and in-house distillation come together.