Matsui The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky
43% ABV (86 proof) | 700mL | Aged 12 years | Blended malt — Matsui's The Kurayoshi 12 Year Old is the younger sibling of the award-crowned Kurayoshi 18: a blended malt ("pure malt") whisky from Matsui Shuzo in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture — Scottish-sourced malt whiskies blended with Japanese-distilled malt, aged over 12 years in ex-bourbon/American white oak, cut with soft volcanic-rock-filtered spring water. Named for Kurayoshi, "the city of water and green." It won its own category at the World Whiskies Awards 2021 (Japanese Blended Malt, 12 and under). Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Flamed orange peel and lemongrass with a touch of rye bread dough on the nose; aromatic barley with a floral edge developing into apple and white grape on the palate; lime, ginger, and a whiff of smoke on the finish. The brand's own notes add nuts, almonds, vanilla, and raisins with a faint smokiness — "the perfect balance of sweet, bitter and acidity." Also: WWA 2019 Gold, SFWSC 2019 Gold, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 93. Among Japanese whiskies, the 12 is the accessible entry to the Kurayoshi line.
Tasting notes
Nose: flamed orange peel, lemongrass, rye bread dough. Palate: barley, floral, apple, white grape; nuts, almonds, vanilla, raisins. Finish: lime, ginger, whiff of smoke. (Per official press notes and retailer notes.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 43% ABV (86 proof) — 700mL
- 12-year-old blended malt; ex-bourbon/American white oak
- Matsui Shuzo, Kurayoshi, Tottori — sake house founded 1910
- WWA 2021 Category Winner; WWA 2019 Gold; SFWSC 2019 Gold; USC 93
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat or with a splash of water; gentle enough for a highball.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kurayoshi a single malt?
No — a blended malt: Scottish-sourced and Japanese-distilled malt whiskies blended by Matsui Shuzo (ratio undisclosed).
Is it sherry cask?
No — official copy says ex-bourbon/American white oak; don't rely on the one retailer claiming sherry.
What did it win?
WWA 2021 Category Winner (Japanese Blended Malt 12 and under), WWA 2019 Gold, SFWSC 2019 Gold, USC 2019 93.
What size is the bottle?
700mL, per unanimous listings.