Matsui The San-In Blended Japanese Whisky
Matsui The San-In Blended Japanese Whisky is an 80-proof (40% ABV) Japanese blend in a 700mL bottle, marrying the Kurayoshi Distillery's own single malt with sourced single grain whisky, matured in white oak ex-bourbon barrels and proofed with underground spring water from Mount Daisen. "San-in" means "the shadow of the mountains" — the Sea-of-Japan side of the Chugoku range, home to the distillery in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, operated by Matsui Shuzo. The brand's own words: "Barrel ageing has infused San-in with a faint vanilla aroma and fruity notes of pear on the finish. The fresh, underground water of Mt. Daisen delivers a smooth, mellow taste in this light and refreshing whisky." A decorated bottle — ISC Gold 2020 and 2023, SFWSC Gold 2020, and 91 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Blend: Kurayoshi single malt + sourced single grain; white oak ex-bourbon; Mt. Daisen spring water
- Origin: Kurayoshi Distillery, Matsui Shuzo, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
- Awards: ISC Gold 2020 & 2023; SFWSC Gold 2020, Bronze 2024; Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 pts (2022)
From the Shadow of the Mountains
The San-in region — Tottori and Shimane prefectures, the Sea-of-Japan face of the Chugoku mountains — gives this whisky its name and its water. Matsui Shuzo's Kurayoshi Distillery blends its own malt with single grain, rests it in ex-bourbon white oak, and cuts it with spring water from the slopes of Mt. Daisen for a light, refreshing pour: faint vanilla, pear, dried peach, a whisper of thyme and lime zest. Compare it with the rest of our Japanese whisky collection and more from Matsui.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: faint vanilla from barrel aging. Palate: fruity pear, dried peaches, thyme and toast, a touch of apricot and lime zest. Finish: smooth, mellow, light and refreshing.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of chilled water to open the pear and vanilla. A gentle highball (soda, lemon twist) suits its light profile; find more in our cocktail-ready spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "San-in" mean?
"The shadow of the mountains" — the northern, Sea-of-Japan side of Japan's Chugoku range, covering Tottori and Shimane prefectures.
Is it a single malt?
No — it is a blended whisky: Kurayoshi Distillery's own single malt married with sourced single grain, aged in ex-bourbon white oak.
What awards has it won?
ISC Gold in 2020 and 2023, SFWSC Gold 2020 and Bronze 2024, and 91 points at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Japan's shadow-of-the-mountains pour, medal after medal — add Matsui The San-In to your cart online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.