The Matsui Single Malt Japanese Whisky The Peated

The young single malt coming from the controversial Kurayoshi Distillery in Tottori prefecture is the first release stateside distilled at the Matsui Shuzo plant founded in 1910. The distillery, which began distilling in 2017, is located Northwest of Kyoto on the shores of the sea of japan. The water source for Matsui Distillery is a natural aquifer fed by snowfall on Mt Daisen, Japan's 3rd largest mountain, contributing naturally pure, soft water. The climate in Tottori prefecture varies between icy winters and hot, humid summers. Matsui runs a 5000 liter copper pot wash still and 3 small copper pot spirit stills. Production is close to 75k liters annually. All their whiskies begin maturation in ex-bourbon barrels and the Peated is no different. The youth of the whiskies is undeniable, but there's no question that Matsui is producing a high quality spirit, which will continue to improve as stocks age. Packing a potent peat punch, this bottling leaves a hale and hearty aftertaste, even among Matsui whiskies. Katsushika Hokusai's "The Great Wave" adorns the front label and is meant to exemplify the power, yet overt aesthetic pleasure of this young smokey whisky.