On the 8th June 2022, Matsui Shuzo An Unlimted Partnership (Kurayoshi Distillery, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan) is pleased to announce that Matsui Single Malt Whisky 「The Matsui Sakura Cask」received 97 points, the highest score under the Japanese Whisky category. In total 5 whiskies chosen as the finalist.
■USC
The ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE is one of the largest spirits competitions in the United States. It is judged by buyers, bartenders, bar directors, and is trusted by producers, distributors, importers, dealers, and retailers, who not only evaluate the taste, but also the quality, price, and excellence of the product. The rating range is from 80 to 100 points, separated by 5 points, and those with 85 points or higher will be listed on the website. In particular, a score of 95 or higher is considered to be the highest rating, and is said to be a special product that can be recommended for the ultimate.
Official HP: https://www.ultimate-beverage.com/
■Kurayoshi Distillery
Kurayoshi Distillery is based in Kurayoshi City, Tottori prefecture, Japan, producing Whisky, Gin, and Umeshu (Japanese Ume plum liqueur). Matsui Whisky brand, such as The Matsui Single Malt Whisky, and “Kurayoshi (City)”, “Tottori (Prefecture)” and “San-in (Region)” named after the hometown, is now widely available in over 60 countries.
Not satisfied with the status quo, we will continue to create new value for the world, anticipating distribution and sales in 10, 20 and 30 years time.
■Product Information
■Product：Matsui Single Malt Whisky「The Matsui Sakura Cask」
97 points, Chairman’s Trophy , Tried & True, Top100
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：48%
■Raw Material：Malt
A single malt whisky distilled in the rich, natural environment of Tottori and aged in cherry wood casks. Combined with the malt aroma and bitter flavor of unblended whisky, a faint, sweet, crisp smell of cherry blossom spreads throughout the mouth.
■Product：Matsui Brandy Umeshu
96 points, Chairman’s Trophy, Great Value, Top100, Tried & True
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：14%
■Raw Material：Plum liqueur, Brandy
■Home-grown Japanese plums are used in Matsui umeshu.
Perfectly balanced, Matsui brandy made using the underground mineral water of Mount Daisen is added.
Rich and full-bodied, with an elegant aftertaste. Water, ice or soda may be added according to preference.
■Product Name：Matsui Whisky Umeshu
95 points, Finaist, Great Value, Tried & True
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：14%
■Raw Materials：Plum liqueur, Whisky
■The refreshing sweetness of umeshu is made from the finest Japanese plums.
Perfectly balanced, Matsui whisky made from the underground mineral water of Mount Daisen is added.
Rich and refreshing with a luxurious and lingering aftertaste.
Japanese plum liqueur can be enjoyed with ice or soda water.
■Product Name：Matsui Pure Malt Whisky「The Kurayoshi」
96 points, Finalist, Top100
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■Softly refreshing and the savory aroma of malt, balanced acidity, bitterness and sweetness from the raisins, nuts and vanilla spread harmoniously throughout the mouth.
■Product Name：Matsui Single Malt Whisky「The Matsui Mizunara Cask」
95 points, Finaist, Tried & True
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：48%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■A single malt whisky distilled in the rich, natural environment of Tottori and aged in Mizunara (Japanese oak）casks. Combined with the bitter flavor of unblended whisky, a faintly sweet, aged aroma tickles the nose with a smooth yet rich, lingering aftertaste.
■Product Name：Matsui Pure Malt Whisky「The Kurayoshi 18 Years」
95 points, Finalist
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：50%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■The sweet taste of honey, the delicate and savory vanilla, the smoky and spicy multi-layered flavor and the deep rich fragrance of this aged whisky confirms its maturity. This finishes with a refreshing mint taste.
Matsui Gin 「The Hakuto Premium」
■Product Name：Matsui Gin 「The Hakuto Premium」
93 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：47%
■With an emphasis on the Japanese pear, “Nashi”, this draws upon 9 botanicals and the addition of 5 premium botanicals evokes a richer scent.
Unique flavors that this provides differentiates itself from your ordinary gin. Please enjoy the spicy yet sweet and refreshing complex flavors.
■Product Name：Matsui Pure Malt Whisky「The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask」
94 points, Finalist
■Volume： 700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■A sweet aroma of fruits and chocolate matches with lemon grass-like citrus flavor. A balanced aroma and smooth lingering finish.
■Product Name：Matsui Blended Whisky「The Tottori」
92 points, Great Value
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials：Malt, grain
■Blending only the best malt and grains, combined with the fresh spring water from the streams of Mount Daisen provides a refreshing finish. You can enjoy the malt flavor in any drinking style.
■Product Name：Matsui Pure Malt Whisky「The Kurayoshi 8 Years」
92 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■Dried orange-like sweet fruity flavor. The taste of vanilla and nuts is highlighted by a savory sweet aroma with a smooth mouthfeel.
■Product Name：Matsui Blended Whisky「The San-in Ex-Bourbon Barrel」
91 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials：Malt, grain
■By ageing this in a bourbon barrel, the fresh, fruity and almost pear like whisky has a richer aroma rather than sweetness. The fresh spring water from Mount Daisen accentuates the aroma and can be enjoyed in any drinking style.
■Product Name：Matsui Pure Malt Whisky「The Kurayoshi 12 Years」
91 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■The aroma of nuts and almonds is followed by a rich malt flavor. Hints of vanilla and raisins, with a faint smoky flavor. This vintage has the perfect balance with the sweetness, bitterness and acidity.
■Product Name：Matsui Blended Japanese Whisky「The San-in」
91 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：40%
■Raw Materials：Malt, grain
■Barrel ageing has infused San-in with a faint vanilla aroma and fruity notes of pear on the finish.
The fresh, underground water of Mount Daisen delivers a smooth, mellow taste in this light and refreshing whisky.
■Product Name：Matsui Single Malt Whisky「The Matsui The Peated」
90 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：48%
■Raw Materials：Malt
■A single malt whisky made from carefully-chosen peated malt, distilled in the natural environment of Tottori and aged in selected casks.
This whisky evokes a mellow, fruity sweetness, with a smoky, peaty finish. This masterpiece, carefully crafted with heart and passion, is cut to proof with high-quality natural spring water from Mt. Daisen.
■Product Name：Matsui Blended Whisky「The Tottori Bourbon Barrel」
86 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：43%
■Raw Materials: Malt, grain
■A blended whisky born from the pursuit of balance, finished brilliantly with the spring water of Mount Daisen. You can cleanly savor the natural fragrance of the bourbon barrel.
■Product Name：Matsui Gin 「The Hakuto」
86 points
■Volume：700ml
■ABV：40%
■With an emphasis on the Japanese pear, “Nashi”, this special product of Tottori prefecture draws upon 9 botanicals; juniper berries, coriander seed, orange peel, yuzu peel, Japaneseginger, green tea, cherry blossom and black pepper.
The scent evokes refreshing citrus fruit combined with tasting notes of sweet pear, black pepper and spicy Japanese pepper.
■Official LINE Account
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Official LINE account：https://page.line.me/matsuiwhisky
■Company
Matsui Shuzo An Unlimited Partnership
Kurayoshi Distillery
656-1 Kamifurukawa, Kurayoshi City, Tottori
■For inquiry regarding this press release
Matsui Shuzo An Unlimited Partnership
Chiyoda Bldg. East 3F, 2-9-4 Higashi-Temma, Kita-ku, Osaka City, 530-0044 Japan
TEL: 06-4309-6250
FAX: 06-4309-6251
Email：info@matsuiwhisky.com
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