Two Karuizawa bottlings from the distillery's last vintages, 1999 and 2000, released by the Polish firm Wealth Solutions under a cherry tree theme. This set holds the Red and the White editions, each limited to 36 bottles.
About This Whisky
Wealth Solutions issued three Cherry Tree bottlings, White, Red and Pink, each drawn from Karuizawa spirit distilled in 1999 and 2000. These are the final casks the distillery filled before its stills went cold, and the whisky tends to be brighter and fruitier than the old 1970s and 1980s stock, with dried fruit and spice from sherry wood. Each edition was kept to 36 bottles. This pair brings together the red and the white, and the cherry blossom artwork is a nod to sakura season.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Cherry, red apple and sultana over sherry oak, with a little incense.
- Palate: Rich and lively, with dark cherry, orange peel and warm spice.
- Finish: Medium to long, with dried fruit and polished oak.
Serving & Food
Open the two side by side and pour small measures into matching glasses to compare. Serve at room temperature, with water on hand. Cherry clafoutis, prosciutto or a mild blue cheese work well.
How to Enjoy
A side-by-side tasting of Karuizawa's final vintages, or a matched pair for a Japanese whisky shelf.
Product Details
Distillery: Karuizawa (closed)
Series: Cherry Tree, Wealth Solutions
Vintages: 1999 and 2000
Set: Red and White editions, 2 bottles
Edition Size: 36 bottles of each edition
Country: Japan
Volume: 700mL each
About the Distillery
Karuizawa's last spirit ran on 31 December 2000. Owner Mercian mothballed the site, and Kirin took over Mercian in 2006, mainly for its wine business. The distilling licence was handed back in 2011, and by March 2016 the buildings had been demolished completely.
Because the 1999 and 2000 casks were the last ever filled, they carry a particular meaning for Karuizawa drinkers. Since 1994 the distillery had worked with Golden Promise barley alone.