Matsui Shuzo The Kurayoshi 18 Years Old

The Kurayoshi 18 Years Old cask strength is one of the most mature expressions in Matsui Shuzo's range from Tottori prefecture. Bottled at 50% from Ex-Bourbon casks for the European market, the 18 Years Old age statement places this firmly in the upper tier of the Kurayoshi lineup. As with other Kurayoshi releases, the malt component may draw on a combination of house-produced and sourced stock, and the character should be understood accordingly.

Eighteen years in Ex-Bourbon casks has built genuine complexity: malt extract, fresh fruit and vanilla dominate the nose and early palate, with honey and a vegetative, lightly yeasty thread adding depth as the spirit develops in the glass. The cask strength 50% gives grip and warmth, lengthening the finish and adding a gentle waxy quality that comes with long maturation. This is the most developed and layered version of the Kurayoshi profile from Tottori.