The Matsui Sakura Cask is a Japanese single malt whisky from Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori, matured in casks made from sakura, Japanese cherry blossom wood, and bottled at 43% ABV.
Sakura wood gives the whisky a delicate floral character, and the label features Kikukawa Eizan's ukiyo-e masterpiece Beauty in the Cherry Blossom Garden. The distillery chose it because the artist portrayed Japanese women of strength and grace, a fit for a cask that also has an underlying strength of flavour and a sweet aroma.
Expect a sweet, floral nose from the cherry wood, with a delicate, elegant malt character.
Presented in its illustrated box, it makes a beautiful gift for Japanese whisky lovers.
Enjoy it neat, with a drop of water, or in a highball.
Japanese whisky has earned a worldwide reputation for balance and precision, and limited releases from its historic distilleries are among the most sought-after bottles for collectors.
Japanese whisky makers have long experimented with native woods, from Mizunara oak to cherry, and sakura casks are among the most unusual. Cherry wood is aromatic and imparts its character quickly, so it is used with a light touch to add a floral, sweet note.
Japanese single malt is made from malted barley, distilled in pot stills and matured in wood, much like Scotch, and the category is known for balance and precision. A highball, whisky topped with chilled soda water, is the classic Japanese way to enjoy it on a warm day.
Tasting Notes
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Cask: Sakura (cherry blossom) wood.
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Aroma: Sweet and floral.
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Character: Delicate with underlying strength.
Specifications
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Producer: Matsui Shuzo, Kurayoshi Distillery
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Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Sakura cherry blossom wood casks
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Region: Tottori, Japan
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat, with a drop of water, or in a highball. It pairs with sushi, cherry desserts or green tea sweets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sakura cask?
A cask made from Japanese cherry blossom wood.
Where is it made?
At Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori, Japan.
What is on the label?
Kikukawa Eizan's ukiyo-e Beauty in the Cherry Blossom Garden.
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