The Matsui Sakura Cask

Score: 63

The Matsui Sakura Cask, bottled at 48%, was another visually striking entrant that promised elegance and Japanese craftsmanship. Aged in cherry wood casks, it came with expectations of delicate florals and nuanced sweetness. But in the club tasting, it came last. Not because it lacked character, but because its character was overpowering. The nose opened with soft florals, melon, and a touch of confectioner’s sugar, hinting at a gentle profile. But the palate told a different story. The oak took over the whole show, bold, bitter, and unmistakably salty. It had a coastal intensity that caught many off guard. Beneath the wood, there were flashes of citrus, white fruit, and spice, but they struggled to break through. The finish was dry, tannic, and lingering, with a touch of tobacco and mint that added complexity but also reinforced its challenging nature. Very bitter and salty, this isn’t for the faint-hearted. You have to be a big fan of coastal whiskies to get on board with this one. It’s not a crowd-pleaser, it’s a test. A dram for expert whisky connoisseurs only, and even then, it demands patience and a very specific palate. In a lineup designed to showcase balance and charm, The Matsui Sakura Cask was the wild card that played too rough.