Raw materials
malt (malted barley)
Japanese pear (nashi) — for the gin
spring water (Mt. Daisen)
Distillery
Kurayoshi
Explore the spirits, production style and story of Kurayoshi.
Kurayoshi is the whisky and spirits brand produced by Matsui Shuzo (Kurayoshi Distillery), based in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The range includes whisky (pure malt, single malt and blended) and an artisanal gin (Matsui Gin "The Hakuto").
Japanese whisky
Blended whisky
Pure malt / single malt
Japanese gin
Regional spirits (Tottori)
Producer range
Producer range Kurayoshi
Spirit categories
Japanese whisky
Blended whisky
Pure malt / single malt
Japanese gin
Regional spirits (Tottori)
Representative products
Blended Japanese Whisky 70cl - The San-In
Blended Japanese Whisky 70cl - The San-In Ex-Bourbon Barrel
Whisky Kurayoshi Pure Malt 8 Years 70cl
Matsui Gin 70cl - The Hakuto Premium
Casks and ageing vessels
white oak / ex-bourbon
sherry cask
wine cask
mizunara (Japanese oak)
sakura (cherry wood)
Distillation and production
Distillation and production
Production method
Mixed production: Kurayoshi carries out its own distillations (single malt/pure malt) and also uses whiskies purchased from third parties for some blends. Maturation takes place in various types of casks (white oak/ex‑bourbon, sherry, wine cask) and local woods such as mizunara and sakura are used for finishing/post‑ripening trials. Local Mount Daisen water is used for dilution/proofing.
Ageing
Aging in wooden casks (white oak/ex‑bourbon, sherry, wine cask) with experimental finishing in mizunara (Japanese oak) and sakura (cherry wood) to create different expressions; the company practices post‑ripening and blends own distillates with purchased whiskies for some blends.
Producer history Kurayoshi
Matsui Shuzo (the company operating Kurayoshi Distillery) was founded on March 29, 1910. The Kurayoshi brand identifies the whisky production linked to the Kurayoshi distillery, which leverages the fresh waters of Mount Daisen and offers both aged bottlings and blends as well as duty‑free expressions.
Production philosophy
The house aims to offer a "whisky loved by everyone" and to highlight the characteristics of its territory (in particular the water of Kurayoshi/Mt. Daisen). The company focuses on a variety of sensory profiles through the use of different cask types and finishing techniques.
Territory
Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, San-in region (Japan).
Awards and recognitions
Numerous international awards (ISC, SFWSC, IWSC). Documented examples: International Spirits Challenge — Gold Award for "The San-in" (2023); San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Double Gold for The Kurayoshi 18 Years (2023) and other medals and recognitions for various Kurayoshi/Matsui expressions.
Kurayoshi
This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.
On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.
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