Kurayoshi Pure Malt Sherry Cask

Got this to try as something unique I can’t normally get while on a trip overseas. At first glance, I was a little disappointed. I wasn’t expecting a twist cap for a pricey whisky and it’s light color made its age very evident but that quickly changed upon sipping it. Couldn’t get a whole lot of info off the bottle other than it being a sherry cask and was 43% ABV because everything else is Japanese. I have to admit thought that may be what drew me in, the mystery and my love for the sherry cask stuff. This is one definitely unique in my opinion and I have a hard time putting a label on all the scents and flavors I get. It is floral and fruity without the slightest hint of peat and I can it has the usual characteristics of a sherry cask though I would not call it a “sherry bomb”. I seem to get a lot of chocolate particularly on the nose and the occasional hint of what I can only describe as sake. Overall, I wouldn’t say I knocked it out of the park on my purchase but I am anything but disappointed and it hit the mark of the goal I was going for. For me it’s a good bottle to share and talk about with my friends that’s not so readily available to us.

To this day, this one can be consider 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 straightfoward but still very nice. Grapes, sherry, tobbacco 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.

To this day, this one can be consider 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 straightfoward but still very nice. Grapes, sherry, tobbacco and chocolate. Aftertaste is super candied and sweet. Its like hard bubble gum, cinnamon, peanuts, molasses, and a little bitter. Overall, this is a fine dram, very enjoyable. 86 over 100.

A complex, Pure Malt Whisky by the Matsui Shuzo Distillery in Tottori Prefecture, Japan made with 100% malted barley, sourced from distilleries around Scotland, blended with Japanese Whisky, aged for 3 years in white oak & finished in Sherry cask; cut to proof with the legendary volcanic stone filtered waters of Tottori Prefecture. It has a delicate birth with notes of berry, lemon grass & dark chocolate; while a complex life adds notes of citrus zest, field greens, herbs, minerality, Sherry & young strawberry; that led to a tart death of medium length. January 2020 / August 2022

Color is a light amber. Nose is strong with citrus, honey, and berries radiating from the glass. Vanilla and malt are found past the initial wave. First sip is almost zesty, with a milt tingle amidst some maltiness. Mouthfeel is smooth, not thin or viscous. Further sips reveal a subtle berry note, as well as some grassy notes. Finish is a wave of acidity that leaves the tongue with a lemon like flavor, but without the freshness of fresh lemon. Overall, the nose is great, but the palate and finish leave plenty to be desired.

Very gentle, fragrant fruity notes come with a delicate sweetness. The nose is pleasant and not too strong, and the palate opens up to a malty finish after the fruit notes. Its rich, but like a gentle richness. The sherry notes are alive and well. This makes for a very nice entry to the Kurayoshi line.