Matsui The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Japanese Whisky
Matsui The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Japanese Whisky is the sherry-finished pure malt from Tottori — 86 proof (43% ABV), 700mL, matured three years in oak and finished in sherry casks, bottled non-chill filtered with no added coloring. Made by Matsui Shuzo at the Kurayoshi Distillery in the shadow of Mount Daisen, it won Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43% (86 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Japanese pure malt — sherry-cask finished
- Maturation: 3 years in oak, finished in sherry casks; non-chill filtered, no color added
- Distillery: Kurayoshi Distillery, Tottori, Japan (Matsui Shuzo)
- Awards: Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023
Sherry Meets the Mountain
Matsui is historically a sake and shochu house; its whisky arm distills in Tottori, a coastal prefecture known for sand dunes and the soft, low-mineral groundwater of Mount Daisen. The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask is a pure malt — a blend of malt whiskies, including Scottish-sourced spirit married with Japanese whisky and aged in Japan — cut to proof with volcanic-stone-filtered Daisen water. The sherry finish gives it dried fruit, toasted nuts, and umami depth the standard Kurayoshi doesn't have.
Tasting Notes
Amber. Baked cereal grain, smoked sea salt, and wet leather on the nose, per the importer, moving to a sherry-driven palate of dried apricot, toasted macadamia, and shiitake umami. A silky finish of fresh cream, buttered toast, and a touch of tropical fruit.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water — the sherry influence opens beautifully. It also pairs surprisingly well with food, from grilled beef to chocolate. Compare it with other Matsui bottlings to taste the house style across cask finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABV of The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask? 43% ABV (86 proof), 700mL.
Is The Kurayoshi a single malt? It is labeled a pure malt — a blend of malt whiskies, including Scottish-sourced malt married with Japanese whisky and aged in Japan.
Where is Kurayoshi whisky made? At the Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori, Japan, by Matsui Shuzo.
Japanese elegance, sherry depth — order The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask from Del Mesa Liquor's online store.