Kurayoshi pure malt whisky 8-year-old review and tasting notes
The Kurayoshi pure malt whisky 8 years is an elegant, pungent distillate with great depth and that precise and graceful pleasantness that only distillers can obtain.
Kurayoshi 8 is a precious blend of Scotch and Japanese malt whiskies aged in American white oak barrels used to produce Bourbon whiskey. This whisky is very rare, an artisanal production of great precision, studied in every detail, as is customary for this small artisan distillery. Kurayoshi is located in the city of the same name in the prefecture of Tottori, not far from Mount Daisen, from which pure water is obtained, light and free of impurities, perfect for making great whiskeys. The sea is not far away and even the winds and humidity, let’s say the climate in general, is fundamental, so much so that the conditions are very similar to those of Islay, the queen of the Hebrides.
But these are only the assumptions. In reality, at Kurayoshi, they are also masters in the use of wood, dosed with great care: they understand very well that it is an essential ingredient. In this case, it sharpens the fruit, adds spices and vanilla and makes the profile of this distillate very fine.
Organoleptic characteristics of Kurayoshi pure malt whisky 8
The bouquet is sharp, a game of chasing each other among citrus fruits, caramel, ginger, tropical hints, cherry blossoms, herbaceous and medicinal suggestions and slightly more ripe notes of fruit in alcohol. Light oxidation, inspired. The spices are there and are essential to make a more complex contrast, but everything is masterfully designed and measured out. Excellent persistence, with iodine, cedar, and sandalwood hints in the finish.
On the palate, it is a small masterpiece. It plays with salt, freshness and woody tones without missing a beat. The sip is delicate, herbaceous, pounding, very fresh, consistent with the nose: the spices give tannic boost, structure, but then it is still the orange that dominates to open in warmer and vanilla references. It is not a very easy whiskey to drink, so at first glance, it has a certain severity, it is not oily or maderized, it does not smile at you with a honeyed charm. On the contrary, it looks shaggy and biting as soon as you approach it. But don’t think it’s grumpy or angular, for nothing. It’s just rocky, sharpened by the sea and refinement that has brought out the thinnest part.
Price of Kurayoshi pure malt whisky 8
One hundred twenty euros: the price is without a doubt justified. The whiskey is excellent. Carefully chiseled by a distillery that works impeccably. They select woods meticulously and produce with copper pot stills slowly, enhancing the floral side and discarding a lot, especially from the tails, as there are very few oily flavors.
If you like dry, clear and sharp whiskeys, buy it with your eyes closed, but if you are a Macallan or Glenmorangie type, you better taste it before making this investment.
Food Pairings
Spoon desserts, trifle, chocolate, salmon terrines, brisket and pulled pork, chocolate salami, apple pie, tiramisu, creme brùlée.