Kurayoshi Pure Malt Sherry Cask

I acquired this to experience something unique unavailable locally during a trip abroad. Initially, I was somewhat underwhelmed. The twist-off cap for a high-priced spirit was unexpected, and its light color clearly indicated its age, but that quickly changed with the first sip. I couldn't gather much information from the bottle besides it being sherry cask-finished and 43% ABV, as the rest was in Japanese. I admit, the mystery and my fondness for sherry cask expressions might have drawn me in. This is certainly distinctive, and I find it challenging to categorize all the aromas and flavors. It's floral and fruity without any hint of peat, and while it has typical sherry cask characteristics, I wouldn't call it overwhelmingly sherry-forward. I seem to detect a lot of chocolate, particularly on the nose, and an occasional hint of what I can only describe as sake. Overall, my purchase wasn't a knockout success, but I'm far from disappointed, and it met my objective. For me, it's a good bottle to share and discuss with friends that isn't easily accessible to us.

To this day, this one can be considered a rarity. I have only seen this Kurayoshi at israel airport. Although it is matured at the Matsui distillery, this is actually scotch. The new make is made in scotland and most of the casks are also scotish but stored on the japanese distillery. It is strange but its true. Bottled at 43% abv, amber color. On the nose it is AMAZING. perfect score. Due to its maturation on sherry casks, its aroma is wonderful. Red fruits, Berries, Purple fruits: Raisins. Vanilla, White wine, Dr. Pepper cola, Maple syrup and strawberry marmalade. On the palate it is more straightforward but still very nice. Grapes, sherry, tobacco and chocolate. Aftertaste is where it falls apart for me. A corny, malty, creamy note, that reminds me of grain whiskies. Overall, this is a fine dram but the aftertaste could be a lot better. Still an 83 over 100.

This is still a rare find. I've only encountered this Kurayoshi at the airport in Israel. While it ages at the Matsui distillery, it's essentially scotch. The spirit originates from Scotland, and most barrels are also Scottish, though they rest at the Japanese facility. It's unusual, but factual. Presented at 43% alcohol by volume, with an amber hue. The aroma is OUTSTANDING. A perfect rating. Maturing in sherry casks lends it a fantastic scent. Dark berries, red fruits, plum-like fruit: raisins. Hints of vanilla, white wine, a cola like Dr. Pepper, maple syrup, and strawberry preserves. The taste is less complex but still very pleasing. Notes of grape, sherry, smoke, and cocoa. The finish is exceedingly sugary and sweet. Reminiscent of hard candy gum, spice, nuts, dark syrup, and a touch of bitterness. All things considered, this is a quality drink, highly satisfying. 86 out of 100.

A complex Pure Malt Whisky from Matsui Shuzo Distillery in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. It's crafted from 100% malted barley, acquired from Scottish distilleries, and combined with Japanese Whisky. It was aged for three years in white oak, then finished in a Sherry cask. Finally, it was proofed down using the renowned volcanic stone filtered waters of Tottori Prefecture. The initial experience presents subtle notes of berry, lemongrass, and dark chocolate. As it develops, a complex character emerges with hints of citrus zest, field greens, herbs, minerality, Sherry, and young strawberry. This culminates in a moderately long, tart finish. January 2020 / August 2022

The color is a pale amber. The aroma is potent with citrus, honey, and berries emanating from the glass. Vanilla and malt appear after the initial intensity. The first taste is almost sharp, with a mild tingle alongside some maltiness. The texture is smooth, neither thin nor thick. Subsequent sips reveal a faint berry note and some grassy qualities. The finish is a surge of acidity that leaves the tongue with a lemon-like taste, but lacking the vibrancy of fresh lemon. While the aroma is excellent, the taste and finish leave much to be desired.

Subtle, aromatic fruit notes arrive with a mild sweetness. The aroma is agreeable and not overpowering, transitioning to a malty conclusion after the fruit essences. It's substantial, yet gently so. The sherry character is prominent. This offers a very pleasant introduction to the Kurayoshi range.