Kurayoshi 18 Year Pure Malt 750ML

Kurayoshi 18 Year Pure Malt 750ML is an 18-year-aged blended malt whisky from Japan's Tottori Prefecture, bottled at 50% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Named Japanese Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022, this expression also earned a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, solidifying its reputation among serious malt collectors.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50%  |  Origin: Tottori Prefecture, Japan  |  18 Year Age Statement  |  Distillery: Matsui Shuzou (Matsui Distillery)

Production & Heritage

Matsui Shuzou, founded in 1910 in Tottori Prefecture along the shores of the Japan Sea, has a history rooted in shochu production before expanding into whisky. The Kurayoshi 18 Year Pure Malt is a blend of aged Scottish single malts and Japanese single malts — a practice that has drawn both praise and controversy in the Japanese whisky world. What makes this bottling distinctive is the use of soft groundwater filtered through the volcanic rock of nearby Mount Daisen to bring the blended spirit down to its 50% bottling strength, imparting a particular mineral softness to the final liquid. The "Pure Malt" designation confirms that the blend contains only malt whiskies with no grain whisky present.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brown butter and hazelnut arrive first, followed by layers of vanilla, sage, and cigar box. A subtle briny, maritime quality weaves through the nose, consistent with the coastal influence of the Tottori region.

Taste: The entry is honeyed and slightly grassy, quickly deepening into buttered bread, aromatic oak, and brown sugar. At mid-palate, smoke and spice emerge alongside fresh orange peel and black tea, with cumin powder adding an unexpected savory dimension. A mellow vanilla sweetness and refreshing mint note provide balance against the richer, darker tones.

Finish: The finish is dry and moderately long, with toasted almond, leather, and mocha lingering alongside stone fruit. A tannic woodiness anchors the close, with a faint trail of smoke.

How to Drink Kurayoshi 18

At 50% ABV, this expression rewards patient sipping neat, where a few drops of water open up the honeyed and maritime layers considerably. It also performs well on a single large ice cube, which tempers the proof while preserving complexity. For cocktails, the Kurayoshi 18 works in a Mizuwari — the traditional Japanese whisky-and-water serve that highlights its mineral softness. A Highball with quality soda water lets the smoke and citrus notes sparkle in a lighter format. It also stands up in an Old Fashioned, where the honey and vanilla character plays well against bitters and a touch of sugar.

Best For

• Gifting a collector who appreciates aged Japanese and Scotch malt whiskies
• Side-by-side tastings comparing international blended malts with single malts
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or a cigar
• Marking a milestone occasion with an 18-year-aged expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kurayoshi 18 taste like? Kurayoshi 18 delivers a rich profile of honey, brown sugar, and vanilla layered with aromatic smoke, black tea, and fresh orange. The finish turns dry with toasted almond, leather, and lingering mocha.

How does Kurayoshi 18 compare to Yamazaki 18? Yamazaki 18 is a single malt produced entirely at Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery, while Kurayoshi 18 is a blended malt incorporating sourced Scottish and Japanese malts brought together in Tottori. Yamazaki 18 typically commands a significantly higher price point and leans more toward dried fruit and Mizunara oak character, whereas the Kurayoshi 18 emphasizes honeyed sweetness, maritime brine, and a smokier profile at a stronger 50% ABV.

Is Kurayoshi 18 good for sipping neat? Yes — at 50% ABV it has enough structure and complexity to stand on its own, and the addition of a few drops of water reveals additional layers of honey and coastal minerality.

Where is Kurayoshi 18 made? Kurayoshi 18 is produced by Matsui Shuzou (Matsui Distillery) in Kurayoshi city, Tottori Prefecture, on the northwest coast of Japan's Honshu island, using soft volcanic-rock-filtered water from Mount Daisen.

What foods pair well with Kurayoshi 18? Grilled unagi (eel) complements the smoky sweetness; aged Gouda or Comté cheese mirrors the nutty, buttery notes; dark chocolate with sea salt echoes the brine and cocoa tones; smoked salmon highlights the maritime quality; and roasted duck with orange glaze plays off the citrus and spice.

What sizes does Kurayoshi 18 come in? The standard size available is the 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format for this expression.

Is Kurayoshi 18 worth the price? Kurayoshi 18 positions in the premium tier for aged malt whiskies and represents strong value relative to other 18-year-old Japanese-labeled expressions, particularly given its 50% ABV, multiple international awards, and the scarcity of aged stock in this category.

Why Kurayoshi 18?

The Kurayoshi 18 Year Pure Malt stands out for its transparent approach to blending aged Scottish and Japanese malts — a practice that delivers genuine complexity at an age statement rarely seen at this price tier. The use of Mount Daisen volcanic-rock-filtered water adds a mineral signature that distinguishes it from its Scotch-only or Japanese-only counterparts. Recognition from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible as Japanese Whisky of the Year 2022 and a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validate its quality among a crowded field. For drinkers seeking an 18-year-aged malt with real depth, a robust 50% ABV, and a coastal Japanese character, this bottling delivers substance over hype.