A 28-year-old Karuizawa from sherry butt #7975, one of four casks La Maison du Whisky picked for its Cocktail Series. It was bottled in 2012 at 59.3%, giving 445 bottles.
About This Whisky
La Maison du Whisky in Paris chose four Karuizawa casks for the series, each dressed in a cocktail-themed label, and Number One Drinks bottled them in 2012. This 1984 was the youngest of the four. Tasters described it as a lighter, more elegant Karuizawa, with no smoke and more malt and spice than dark sherry. It is a good way to see how much a single Karuizawa butt can vary from the brooding house image.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Brown cane sugar, almond biscuits, dates and fig bread, then tobacco, leather and a waft of kirsch and rosewater.
- Palate: Juicy and intense, with mint, pepper and polished sandalwood around apple, gooseberry and pink grapefruit.
- Finish: Medium length, with oak, fruity sweetness and a last hint of almond and incense.
Serving & Food
Serve in a tasting glass with a small jug of still water beside it and add a little at a time. Its fresh side suits almond cake, jamón or roast pigeon with figs.
How to Enjoy
Karuizawa fans who prefer a fresher, spicier sherry butt to the darkest, heaviest casks.
Product Details
Distillery: Karuizawa (closed)
Series: Cocktail Series, La Maison du Whisky
Vintage: 1984
Bottled: 2012
Age: 28 years old
Cask: Sherry butt #7975
Edition Size: 445 bottles
Bottler: Number One Drinks Company
ABV: 59.3%
Country: Japan
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Barley shaped Karuizawa. In 1958 Japan eased its import rules, and the distillery began bringing in Scottish malting barley, including Golden Promise, the spring variety Macallan also relied on. By 1959 it was making a heavy, oily, Scotch-style spirit aimed at long ageing in Spanish sherry wood.
From 1994 Karuizawa used only Golden Promise. Its yields are low, but it gives a rich texture that holds up over decades in oak.