Matsui Sakura Cask

I haven't been impressed by Matsui thus far. I've sampled a couple of their products, finding them interesting but standard. This "Sakura" Cask, utilizing cherry casks (not sherry), raises questions about its legitimacy in the whisky world. Bottled at 48% ABV, with a white wine color. The aroma is highly floral, reminiscent of car air fresheners, cotton candy, grapes, apple juice, hay, tutti-frutti artificial juice, and numerous floral profiles. After the initial taste, it presented milk chocolate. The palate is wine-like, with notes of grapes, roses, floral elements, and rosé wine. The aftertaste shifts, offering notes of tobacco, hay, freshly baked brownies, saltiness, and ginger. It finishes dry. In summary, this is a very sweet and floral whisky, but it lacks distinction. It feels too "thin," not at all reflecting its 48% ABV. Everything seems subdued. Nevertheless, the aroma and tasting notes are good, warranting an 82 out of 100 in my assessment.

An exquisite single malt created by the Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori, Japan. It's made with natural spring water from Mt. Daisen and aged in cherry wood barrels. It opens with an inviting aroma of almond, faint fresh orange, malt, melon, and the spice of sawdust. Its rich and vibrant character unfolds with notes of baking spices and a touch of cherry blossom. The finish is well-balanced and medium in length, featuring white pepper and vanilla sponge cake. August 2022

A pleasant combination of fruity and floral notes. Nose: Vanilla, Roses, Peaches, Strawberries, Cherry Blossoms, Oranges, Lavender, Nectarines, Figs Palate: Vanilla, Cherry Blossoms, Rose Petals, Nectarines, Peaches, Apricots, Brown Sugar Finish: Brown Sugar, Roses, Honey, Vanilla, Coriander, Sunflowers, Cherry Blossoms, Lavender

It smells like it might burn. At 48% ABV, I anticipated a burn, but there was none. There's a slight tingle on the tongue, but nothing more. Exceptionally smooth. Some wood notes are present but not unpleasantly young. Very nice!

Intriguing, with an almost lemony tartness on the nose that completely disappears upon tasting. It's smooth and approachable, with light fruit and faint hints of honey and earthiness.

Delicate – the floral notes are noticeable, but there's also a more prominent ethanol presence than I typically detect in other Japanese whiskies.