The Kurayoshi 12 years - Giftpack Edition

Nose

Rich malt, almonds and toasted nuts, followed by vanilla and raisins. Gentle oak and a light smoky note add further depth.

Palate

Rounded and balanced with malt, toasted bread, walnuts and creamy vanilla. Dried grapes, mild spices and a touch of citrus provide a fresh, layered character.

Finish

Smooth and lingering with toasted nuts, vanilla and spiced oak. A subtle smoky note remains pleasantly in the background.

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.