Matsui Shuzo The Kurayoshi 8 Years Old

The Kurayoshi 8 Years Old in the sherry cask expression is part of Matsui Shuzo's long-running Kurayoshi range from Tottori prefecture. Bottled in 2016 at 46%, this release carries an 8 Years Old age statement and was matured in Oloroso sherry casks, giving it a distinctly richer profile than the standard bourbon-wood expressions in the same range. The provenance of the malt component in early Kurayoshi releases includes sourced stock alongside the house's own production.

Oloroso sherry cask influence is the defining thread here: expect dried fruit in the Christmas cake register, dark sugars, roasted nut and a long warming finish with gentle tannin. The 46% bottling strength preserves both the wood's contribution and the spirit's underlying cereal sweetness. A classically sherry-forward style from Tottori's most prominent blended malt house.