The Matsui - Sakura Cask | Japanese Single Malt Whisky

A single malt from the Kurayoshi Distillery, which resides in the foothills of Mt. Daisen. Released as part of the Matsui range, this particular expression has been matured in cherry wood casks - sounds rather intriguing indeed, doesn't it?

The young single malt coming from the controversial Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori prefecture is the first release stateside distilled at the Matsui Shuzo plant founded in 1910. The distillery, which began distilling in 2017, is located Northwest of Kyoto on the shores of the sea of japan. The water source for Matsui Distillery is a natural aquifer fed by snowfall on Mt Daisen, Japan's 3rd largest mountain, contributing naturally pure, soft water. The climate in Tottori prefecture varies between icy winters and hot, humid summers. Matsui runs a 5000 liter copper pot wash still and 3 small copper pot spirit stills. Production is close to 75k liters annually. All their whiskies begin maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, but the Sakura casks sees additional aging in a hybrid cask which has had the heads replaced with rare Japanese Cherry wood (Sakura). While the youthfulness is undeniable, it's clear the Matsui has committed themselves to quality in the distillery. The beautiful label was painted by Japanese Master Kikukawa Eizan’s. The artist portrayed Japanese women of strength and grace in his ukiyo-e masterpiece and the label is meant to allude to the powerful elegance imparted by the special Cherry wood influence.