Matsui Shuzo The Kurayoshi 12 Years Old

This Netherlands-market release of The Kurayoshi 12 Years Old is a cask strength expression, bottled at 50% from Ex-Bourbon maturation by Matsui Shuzo in Tottori prefecture. The cask strength presentation gives more grip and warmth than the standard 43% bottlings in the range, while the 12 Years Old age statement remains the same foundation. Kurayoshi releases include sourced malt components alongside the house's own production.

Ex-Bourbon at cask strength amplifies the familiar vanilla, honey and toasted coconut notes, adding a more pronounced woodspice warmth and a longer, drier finish than the diluted expressions. The additional ABV brings texture and a light prickling heat that invites water to open the palate further. The underlying cereal sweetness and mild dried fruit that characterise the age statement are present, but rendered in a bolder key. A more assertive version of the 12 Years Old Kurayoshi from Tottori.