The Kurayoshi Pure Malt Japanese Whisky Aged 8 Years 750ml

The Kurayoshi 8 Year Pure Malt is the age stated expression in the celebrated Kurayoshi lineup from Matsui Shuzo, a historic sake and shochu producer founded in 1910 that has become one of Japan's most awarded whisky houses. Produced at the Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori Prefecture on the shores of the Sea of Japan, this is a 100% malted barley pure malt whisky aged a minimum of eight years in ex bourbon white oak barrels, with a high percentage of first fill casks delivering rich vanilla and oak depth. After maturation, the whisky is proofed down with the famed soft mineral groundwater drawn from the foothills of Mount Daisen, the volcanic peak that defines the Tottori landscape, a wilderness so pristine that over 14% of the prefecture is designated as Natural Park. The name Kurayoshi means "the city of water and green," and the whisky embodies that character with a mellow, smooth, and elegant profile. A World Whiskies Awards medal winner and presented in a striking deep blue box and bottle with bold gold Japanese calligraphy, this is an accessible yet serious introduction to Japanese pure malt whisky and a beautiful gift bottle.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale gold with orange hues.

Nose: Ripe and complex with sweet fruit aromas, clove, honey, baked pear, vanilla cream, and soft oak.

Palate: Rich and elegant with candied nuts, toffee, pear, malt biscuit, white chocolate, and warm vanilla oak undertones from the ex bourbon barrels. A slightly bolder, more confectionary profile than the entry tier Kurayoshi.

Finish: Medium long and warm with a soft mouthfeel, lingering vanilla, gentle spice, and a balance of tart and sweet.

FAQ

What is Pure Malt whisky? Pure malt (also called blended malt) is a whisky made entirely from malted barley, blended from more than one distillery's malt whisky, with no grain whisky included. It differs from single malt (which must come from one distillery) and from blended whisky (which includes grain whisky). The Kurayoshi 8 Year is 100% malted barley.

Where is Kurayoshi made? Kurayoshi is produced by Matsui Shuzo at the Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori Prefecture, on the shores of the Sea of Japan northwest of Kyoto. Matsui Shuzo was founded in 1910 as a sake and shochu producer and has since become a respected whisky house. The whisky is matured and bottled in Japan, and proofed with the soft mineral groundwater of the Mount Daisen foothills. Note that, as with several Japanese whisky houses of this style, some of the malt may be internationally sourced before maturation and bottling in Japan.

What does the 8 year age statement mean? The whisky is aged a minimum of eight years in ex bourbon white oak barrels, with a high percentage of first fill casks. Age statements on Japanese whisky have become increasingly rare and valuable as demand has outstripped aged stock, making an affordable 8 year age stated pure malt particularly appealing.

How should I drink it? The mellow, smooth profile works beautifully neat or with a few drops of water. It also makes an excellent Japanese style highball (over ice with soda water), which is the most popular way to enjoy whisky in Japan, and stands up well in whisky cocktails.

How does this compare to other Kurayoshi and Matsui releases? The Kurayoshi lineup includes the entry pure malt (aged 3+ years), this 8 Year, a 12 Year, and a sherry cask version, alongside the Matsui Single Malt range (Sakura Cask, Mizunara Cask, Peated) and the Tottori blended line. The 8 Year sits in the sweet spot, offering a genuine age statement and ex bourbon depth at an accessible price.

Where can I buy The Kurayoshi 8 Year online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.