This is the 12 year old Kurayoshi expression – a blended malt from the little-known Matsui Shuzou distillery in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture. This whisky is made with malts sources from Scotland, then blended with Japanese whisky and volcanic-rock-filtered water.

The rich aroma of fragrant mixed nuts, including almonds and the heavy malt aroma, spread throughout the mouth, giving a sense of the long-term maturation of over 12 years. Good vanilla and raisins with faint smokiness is felt. The long term aging give an outstanding balance of tart and sweet. A soft and smooth finish remains.

San Fransisco World Spirits “Gold Medal”