The Kurayoshi 18 Year Old Pure Malt (70cl, 50%)

This is an 18 year old pure malt from Matsui Shuzo, a distillery on Honshu that also makes sake. It is a blend of Japanese and Scottish whiskies, which gives it a Speyside character with Japanese touches. It is bottled at 50% in a 70cl bottle and has a gold colour. The nose is malty, with fresh bread and hay. On the palate it is creamy and soft, rather sweet and fruity, followed by fine spices, vanilla and oak. The finish is long and complex, running from sweet to spicy.