Matsui Shuzo Gomei Kaisha (located in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture) announced that two of their products, Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 12 Years and The Kurayoshi 18 Years, received Category Winner (top category award) and Gold awards at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, a prestigious whisky competition held in the UK.
This achievement is particularly remarkable as both The Kurayoshi 12 Years and The Kurayoshi 18 Years have now received the Category Winner award for the second time, following their first wins in 2021.
The recognition demonstrates that their quality continues to be evaluated over time, proving their excellence on the world stage.
It is a great honor for whiskies born in Tottori to be recognized as "world-class products" alongside many renowned brands in the whisky heartland of the UK.
☆Second Category Winner Awards for The Kurayoshi 12 Years & 18 Years
The World Whiskies Awards (WWA) is one of the most prestigious whisky competitions held in London, UK, where whiskies from around the world gather and are evaluated purely on taste and aroma through blind tasting (tasting without knowing the brand names).
In this rigorous judging process, both The Kurayoshi 12 Years and The Kurayoshi 18 Years won Category Winner awards twice—in 2021 and again in 2026.
This proves that they are "authentic flavors loved for the long term," not just trendy or talked-about products.
☆When in Doubt, Choose These Two: World-Recognized Whiskies That Won't Disappoint
Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 12 Years
Deep, complex aromas from aging with well-balanced, mellow flavors.
The whisky offers genuine whisky character while remaining approachable, making it an excellent choice for both "first bottle" and "regular bottle" with its high level of completion.
Suggested retail price: ¥10,000 (excluding tax) / ¥11,000 (including tax)
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 43%
Barrel type: White Oak
Ingredients: Malt
Online shop: https://matsuiwhisky-store.com/products/4954621000993
Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 18 Years
Longer aging creates depth and lingering aftertaste.
The luxurious flavor, noticeable from the first sip, is perfect for special occasions or as a gift.
This is a bottle we highly recommend for those seeking "a premium whisky experience."
Suggested retail price: ¥25,000 (excluding tax) / ¥27,500 (including tax)
Volume: 700ml
Alcohol content: 43%
Barrel type: White Oak
Ingredients: Malt
Online shop: https://matsuiwhisky-store.com/products/4954621003444
Both are world-recognized for their proven quality.
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with these two bottles.
☆Other Award-Winning Products
At WWA 2026, the following products also received awards:
Silver:
- Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask
Bronze:
- Matsui Whisky The Daisen Wine Cask
- Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 8 Years
The diverse lineup received wide-ranging recognition on the world stage.
☆World-Class Quality for Everyday Enjoyment
Whiskies evaluated at world-class competitions often carry an image of being "expensive and special," but Matsui Whisky values being "authentic yet enjoyable in daily life."
Not just for special occasions, but for a drink after work, weekend relaxation time, or meals with loved ones.
The company wants people to enjoy world-recognized flavors more casually.
That's their philosophy.
☆Award Summary
★Category Winner & Gold:
- Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 12 Years
- Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 18 Years
(Both received Category Winner awards for the second time following 2021)
★Silver:
- Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask
★Bronze:
- Matsui Whisky The Daisen Wine Cask
- Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 8 Years
Company Information
Matsui Shuzo Gomei Kaisha - Kurayoshi Distillery
Address: 656-1 Kamifurukawa, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture 682-0934
Official website: https://matsuiwhisky.com
Official online shop: https://matsuiwhisky-store.com/
