To place an order by phone call 1-800-LIQUORS or 1-800-547-8677.
nextSectionNose: Slightly metallic to start, but then softer notes of vanilla and sweet pastry, but also cigar tobacco and char. Hints of tropical fruits like pineapple. Fairly straight-forward.Taste: Somewhat creamy, with sweet malt and caramel, and some spices like cinnamon and pepper. What really stands out is the tobacco.Finish: Hints of fennel, but mainly sweetness and finally a whisper of smoke.
Limited, annual release blended Japanese whisky from Mars Shinshu in Nagano, Japan. This is the distillery's core expression, Mars Iwai Tradition, finished in Japanese plum wine (umeshu) casks for an additional 6 months. The base spirit, Iwai Tradition, is distilled from 70% malted barley and 30% corn, and aged primarily in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, before the special 6 months finish in Umeshu casks. The honey, toffee, and ginger spice of classic Iwai Tradition is amplified by a nose of cinnamon and a lingering finish of sweet & sour plum and black tea.
Taste: A sweet aroma of berries and chocolate comes from whisky aged in oak casks for over 3 years and then finished in sherry casks. It is complimented by a citrus-tart taste like lemon grass.
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Additional Info:
About the Whisky:
100% malt whisky blended and aged by Kurayoshi Distillery. Aged for a minimum 3 years in ex-sherry casks. Proofed with the famously soft ground waters of Tottori Prefecture’s Mount Daisen and bottled without additives or coloring. The texture is soft, and the nose fragrant; the flavor is reminiscent of nuts and dried figs, with a subtle kiss of vanilla. Gold medalist at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Non-chill filtered; 46% ABV
The name Kurayoshi originates from the phrase “kurashiyoshi” which translates to “good living” in English and is also the name of the city in which the distillery is located. Kurayoshi whiskies are a testament to the historic Japanese tradition of blending and aging sourced whiskies and are distinctly Japanese in profile.
About the Producer:
Founded in 1910, Matsui Whisky is located in Tottori Prefecture, northwest of Kyoto, on the shore of the Sea of Japan. With a house philosophy to create “whisky to be loved by everyone,” Matsui offers a range of 100% Japanese-distilled single malt whiskies, as well as pure malt and blended whiskies, gin, and umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur).
Tottori is the least populous prefecture in Japan, with over 14% comprising a natural park packed with lush vegetation, rugged coastlines, rivers, lakes, and most notably, Mount Daisen, which influences the prized groundwater used in all Matsui expressions. This mineral-rich water is softened by natural filtration through the volcanic soil and extracted from a deep aquifer.
Known historically as both a sake brewery and shochu distillery, Matsui is now recognized the world over for whisky production thanks to its Kurayoshi Distillery. Named for the city in which the distillery is located, the name Kurayoshi originates from the phrase kurashiyoshi and translates to “good living.”
Like many great whisky producers, Matsui subsidized the growth of its distillation facilities by mastering the art of blending and maturing spirits before confidently entering the world of distillation with the acquisition of their whisky distillation license in 2015. Matsui’s Kurayoshi Distillery now produces Japanese single malt whisky in house and sources malt and grain whiskies from domestic partners in Japan for select blends. The fully equipped distillery boasts two Japanese copper pot stills with adjustable lyne arms for whisky production and three Portuguese alembic pot stills now primarily used for gin and brandy distillation.
Utilizing over a century of brewing, distilling, and blending experience, Matsui continues adding greater variety to the landscape of Japanese whisky while simultaneously maintaining their own house style.
Founded in 1910 as a producer of sake and shochu, Matsui and its Kurayoshi Distillery are located in Tottori Prefecture, northwest of Kyoto and northeast of Hiroshima on the shore of the Sea of Japan. Matsui has proven itself to be masterful in blending and aging whisky with both its Kurayoshi and Tottori collections, and is now stepping confidently into the world of whisky distillation with it’s single malt collection entitled, ‘The Matsui.’
TASTING NOTES: Ripe and complex in flavor, this malt whisky has aromas of sweet fruit and hues of pale gold and orange. The palate speaks of candied nuts and has a soft mouthfeel and medium-long finish. 46% ABV.
nextSectionNose: Spicy yet delicately balanced evolving to a malty aroma.
Palate: A mature, full body with notes of toffee and hazelnuts.
Finish: A long soft finish with a touch of smoke.
This is a blended malt named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. He is the first Japanese who mastered whisky-making in Scotland and produced the genuine whisky in Japan. Masataka learned that the natural resources surrounding a distillery were essential for quality whisky. Based on his thought, he selected two places, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and built two distilleries there. Its gentle malt flavor, fruitiness and extremely well-balanced taste make it a perfect entry point into the world of Nikka.
Hibiki 21 Year Old is a premium blended whisky from the Japanese distillery Suntory. It is highly regarded for its complex and well-balanced flavor profile, which includes notes of honey, orange peel, and dark chocolate. Hibiki 21 is made by blending together several different malt and grain whiskies, some of which have been aged for up to 30 years. Due to its rarity and high demand, Hibiki 21 has become quite expensive and difficult to find in recent years.
\\\"A masterpiece of blended whisky. The nose is rich and complex with notes of dried fruit, honey, and wood spice. The palate is smooth and silky with flavors of marmalade, dark chocolate, and oak. The finish is long and satisfying with a hint of smoke.\\\" - Whisky Advocate\\n
\\n\\\"Hibiki 21 is a stunning whisky that showcases the art of blending at its finest. The nose is a symphony of aromas including citrus, vanilla, and sandalwood. The palate is elegant and refined with flavors of toffee, cinnamon, and black cherry. The finish is long and warming with a touch of oak.\\\" - The Whiskey Wash\\n
\\n\\\"Hibiki 21 is a true masterpiece that embodies the essence of Japanese whisky. The nose is rich and complex with notes of plum, apricot, and oak. The palate is smooth and well-balanced with flavors of caramel, honey, and spice. The finish is long and gentle with a touch of smoke.\\\" - Forbes\\n
\\nOverall, Hibiki 21 year old blended whisky is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
SUNTORY Toki Whisky is a blended Japanese whisky from Suntory. It brings together the distinct characteristics of Suntory's Hakushu Distillery (malt whisky), Yamazaki Distillery (malt whisky), and Chita Distillery (grain whisky). The result is a smooth and versatile whisky with a balanced profile of fruity, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. \\\"Toki\\\" means \\\"time\\\" in Japanese. Brand:: SUNTORY Type:: Blended Whisky Origin:: Japan Special Feature:s:: Blend of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's distilleries. Alcohol Grade:: 43% ABV Content:: 750 ml Ingredients:: Malt whisky (from Hakushu and Yamazaki), grain whisky (from Chita), water, caramel coloring. Check packaging for accurate ingredient list information. Disclaimer:: Please consume alcohol responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in the United States. Do not consume if pregnant or suspecting pregnancy.
VOYAGE THE WHISKY WORLD
Bringing Japan closer to the world, Ao means the color blue, as in the sea that unites the continents. The design cues for Suntory World Whisky Ao include a compass and a wave-like logo. The five-sided bottle symbolizes the world’s five most significant whisky-producing countries. The label sits on the “front corner,” celebrating Japanese craftsmanship and an unconventional encounter. A new message for a new era.
100th Anniversary Limited Edition Design.
The Yamazaki 12 Years Old Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all cask-aged aged for a minimum of 12 years. This special limited-edition bottling was created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Part of the Yamazaki family, Japan’s quintessential whisky, it is made in Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery which was founded in 1923. Yamazaki means “mountain cape”, referencing its unique geographic location – secluded amongst a range of forest covered mountains. The bottle design pays tribute to Yamazaki, the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, captures this legendary distillery in deep copper tones, and is a reminder to always honor our past.
nextSectionHints of peated honey on the nose are followed by crisp green apple, fresh mint & buttered banana on the palate. A sweet & smokey yellow fruit notes linger long after.