Matsui Shuzo The Kurayoshi 12 Years Old

The Kurayoshi 12 Years Old, bottled in 2016 for the European market by Matsui Shuzo in Tottori prefecture, represents one of the earlier commercial releases in the range at this age statement. Presented at 43% from Ex-Bourbon maturation, the flavour notes recorded for this bottling point toward a lighter, more grain-forward profile compared to later expressions. As with other early Kurayoshi releases, the malt component may include sourced stock.

The hay-like and new wood character in the flavour profile suggest a spirit that retains fresh cereal energy alongside the vanilla and coconut contribution typical of Ex-Bourbon casks. The finish is relatively dry and clean for the age, with the new wood note adding a faint tannic edge rather than sweetness. Twelve years in Ex-Bourbon gives structure and moderate complexity, making this a leaner, more savoury expression of the Kurayoshi range from Tottori.