Matsui whiskies are distilled by Kurayoshi, a distillery located in Tottori prefecture. The whisky is aged for a minimum of 3 years in a natural environment, where the temperature varies considerably from season to season. It is then diluted with the highest quality natural spring water from Mount Daisen. Great care is taken in selecting the malted barley, which is then peated. The master distiller believes that the quality of the grain strongly influences the distillation, ageing and complexity of the final product. The Peated expresses sweetness and fruitiness with a final touch of smoke.
The label, designed by Katsushika Hokusai, depicts 'The Great Wave'.
Nose: Fine, balanced. malted barley-like, fruity (green banana, golden apple), acacia honey, exotic (pineapple), spicy (coriander, ginger, black pepper) and herbaceous (chervil, lovage). Then, gradually, medicinal notes (balsam).
Mouth: Lively, taut. Citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit) provide a dynamic attack. This is followed by a beautiful, almost roasted vanilla sequence (coffee), whose greediness highlights a remarkable sweet/savory balance.
Finish: Long, rich, with aniseed (star anise), vegetal (zucchini flower) and creamy (coconut milk) flavors gradually spreading around the palate.
Nose: Miyagikyo Discovery Aromatic Yeast reveals delicate notes of ripe fruit, vanilla and honey, with a light floral touch. Feel: On the palate, this whisky reveals complex flavors of tropical fruit, toasted oak and caramel, offering a silky, balanced texture. Finish: The finish is long and warm, giving way to lingering notes of dried fruit and subtle spices.
This ageless version was released in 2016 as a permanent product that showcases the elegant style of Miyagikyo malts. when all age statements were dropped. This bottling has ester aromas generated by carefully selected yeast strains as well as a distinctive Sherry cask influence.
Nose: Complex, with notes of toast, dry peat and twigs. On aeration, the peat becomes more intense, almost animal-like. Exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango) and fresh figs add substance and verve to the aromatic palette.
Mouth: Dynamic, exotic, honeyed (lime blossom) and floral (hyacinth). The mid-palate is deeply rooted (ginseng, gentian), highlighting an extremely saline and refreshing minerality.
Finish: Long and balanced. Peat with chocolate, vanilla and spicy (saffron) accents takes center stage. Intensely, it invites us to savor a delicious plain pound cake. Scents of Havana, wildflowers and black licorice.