Matsui The San-In ex-Bourbon Barrel Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)

"...truly magnificent... a show stopper in its own right." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

This promises to be another delicious Matsui expression, following on from the hugely successful Mizunara bottling. Created at the Kurayoshi distillery and matured in an ex-bourbon barrel, expect a range of sweet, fruity notes to the lightly spiced spirit. Highest recommendation from Jim Murray below, but sadly, the size of our current shipment will only satisfy a minority. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Japan goes to Kentucky: the liquorice and tannin would be appreciated by distillers east of the Blue Ridge mountains...; for a blend, the mouthfeel is lush and lingering. The Kentucky style tannins arrive early and then we are thrown into a series of intense "Love Hearts" candy notes - the purple ones in particular. There is a fizzing liveliness to the sugars, sweetened hickory just to round it off; this is truly magnificent. The label promises fruit that doesn't arrive. But it doesn't need it. It's a show stopper in its own right. 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

...Showing a nose combining earthy aromas of barley cake, toasted walnut, and campfire smoke with more fruit driven notes of ripe apple and dried cherry, this is a complex whisky. On tasting the spirit is light but flavorful and finishes clean and dry. 89 points - Very Good, Strong Recommendation - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020