The Kurayoshi 18 Years Old
COUNTRY: Japan
ABV (PROOF): 50% (100)
PRICE: $ 179 | € 220
TYPE: Blended
Since 1910, the Matsui Shuzo Distillery has been facing the Sea of Japan in the Tottori Prefecture. Despite the low mediatic profile, Matsui has a line of ten different malts. This 18yo is the most aged one in the range. It’s a blend of local whiskies with imported Scotch single malts cut to 100 proof with the pure volcanic filtered water of the surroundings.
Scents of ripe fruit, cocoa and caramel are enriched with vegetal and honey notes. To the palate it confirms the cocoa, supported by peppery notes. Medium-long finish, with cocoa, wood and spices.
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HOW ARE THE AWARDS MADE
Among the whiskies tested during the year in blind tastings and reviews, those that scored the best got selected. These products were then tested once again in a new blind tasting, which means not knowing what they are during the tasting. The only indication on the sample concerns the ABV content: a red mark states that the product has an ABV higher than 50% (100° proof). The test results are then compared and the TOP 10 is made.
Since 2016 CigarsLover Magazine releases the top 10 whiskeis of the year. This list, together with the Daily Dram (the best quality/price products) will be published in detail on the Winter 2019 issue of CigarsLover Magazine.