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Everything you need to know about Matsui Shuzou Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Matsui Shuzou, Japan. Founded in 1910.
Matsui Shuzou is one of those Japanese whisky producers that seems to have appeared quietly and then suddenly everywhere at once.
Based in Tottori Prefecture, one of the less populated parts of Japan, the company originally built its reputation through sake and shochu production before moving into whisky. That path is fairly common in Japan, where a lot of whisky producers come from broader drinks backgrounds rather than generations of whisky-making alone.
The company’s whisky releases are usually sold under names like The Kurayoshi, The Matsui, and Tottori. Each range has its own style, but the overall direction tends to stay consistent—smooth, approachable, and carefully balanced.
There’s been quite a bit of discussion in whisky circles around sourcing and production transparency with some Japanese brands, Matsui included. And honestly, that’s worth mentioning. Some releases combine imported whisky with Japanese spirit, while others are fully distilled in Japan. The newer single malt ranges are more clearly tied to the company’s own production.
Taste Profile
 |
 |
 |
|
Fruity |
Sweet | Oaky / Woody |
Matsui Shuzou whiskies are known for their smooth, delicate, and approachable profile. You’ll often pick up soft vanilla sweetness first, followed by orchard fruit notes like apple and pear. The oak influence stays controlled, helping the whisky remain clean and balanced.
Some cask-finished releases add richer spice or darker sweetness, but the core identity remains light and elegant rather than heavy.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Honey |
 |
Vanilla |
 |
Apple / Pear |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Popular Matsui Shuzou Bottles
Here are the most recognisable whisky ranges from the producer:
- The Kurayoshi Pure Malt Whisky
Smooth and lightly fruity, one of the company’s best-known releases. - The Matsui Single Malt Mizunara Cask
Finished in Japanese oak, adding spice and sandalwood-style notes. - The Matsui Sakura Cask
Floral and slightly sweeter, with delicate wood influence. - Tottori Blended Whisky
A lighter blended style aimed at everyday drinking.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Matsui Shuzou Distillery
Address: 656-1 Kamifurukawa, Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
 Open in maps |
 Unavailable |
 +81 858-23-2111 |
Visitor Centre
Matsui Shuzou does offer visitor access, though it’s more limited compared to some larger Japanese whisky destinations.
- Visitor Centre: Yes
- Tours Available: Limited/pre-booked tours
- Opening Times:
Vary depending on season and production schedule
Booking ahead is usually recommended.
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
- Matsui Shuzou
Key Timeline:
- Longstanding drinks producer in Tottori Prefecture
- Expanded into whisky production during the modern Japanese whisky boom
- Developed the Kurayoshi, Matsui, and Tottori whisky ranges
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Matsui Shuzou is a Japanese drinks producer based in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, with company origins dating back to 1910.
Historically involved in sake and shochu production, the company later expanded into whisky and became internationally known through brands such as:
- The Kurayoshi
- The Matsui
- Tottori
The company operates the Kurayoshi Distillery and focuses on small-scale whisky production alongside blending and maturation.
Production
- Spirit Type: Japanese whisky
- Location: Tottori Prefecture
- Water Source: Soft volcanic-filtered mountain water
- Cask Policy: Bourbon, sherry, mizunara oak, sakura, and wine casks
The company produces both:
Some releases combine Japanese distillate with imported whisky components depending on the product category.
Whisky Style
Matsui whiskies typically show:
- Light and delicate texture
- Honey and vanilla sweetness
- Orchard fruit and citrus
- Gentle spice
- Soft oak influence
Mizunara and sakura cask releases can introduce incense, sandalwood, and floral notes.
Key Expressions
- The Kurayoshi Pure Malt
- The Matsui Single Malt Mizunara Cask
- The Matsui Sakura Cask
- Tottori Blended Whisky
The Matsui single malt range is especially associated with specialty Japanese oak maturation.
Significance
Matsui Shuzou is part of the wider expansion of modern Japanese whisky producers, particularly smaller regional companies entering international markets.
Its broad use of mizunara and other Japanese cask styles reflects growing global interest in uniquely Japanese maturation techniques.
Matsui Shuzou Whisky to Buy
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