The bourbon-cask half of the First Geisha pair, a 30-year-old Karuizawa bottled at 55.8%. It was released in 2013 alongside a 31-year-old sherry cask (#3555).
About This Whisky
The Whisky Exchange started its Geisha series in 2013 with two casks, one bourbon and one sherry, so drinkers could compare how the same distillery aged in different wood. The First Geishas are the sole pair in the series whose labels show more than a face: one geisha holds a parasol and the other hides behind a fan. Ex-bourbon Karuizawa is far less common than sherry. Thirty years in American oak gives this one vanilla, tropical fruit and a softer grip than the dark sherry casks.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Vanilla, coconut and ripe mango, with honey and a little polished oak.
- Palate: Creamy and concentrated, with pineapple, orchard fruit, honey and oak spice.
- Finish: Long, with vanilla, pepper and gentle wood.
Serving & Food
Serve it slightly cool in a stemmed nosing glass. At 55.8% a splash of water helps the fruit. Pair with crème brûlée, grilled pineapple or Hong Kong egg tarts.
How to Enjoy
Karuizawa followers curious about the bourbon-cask side of the distillery, or anyone completing the First Geisha pair.
Product Details
Distillery: Karuizawa (closed)
Series: First Geisha, The Whisky Exchange
Age: 30 years old
Released: 2013
Cask: American oak ex-bourbon cask #8606
Bottler: Number One Drinks Company
ABV: 55.8%
Style: Japanese single malt whisky
Country: Japan
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Karuizawa is known for sherry, but its warehouses also held a smaller share of American oak ex-bourbon casks. With the heavy Golden Promise spirit in lighter wood, the distillery's fruit comes forward without the dark sherry layer.
The bourbon casks came to light when the remaining stock was released cask by cask after the distillery closed. Shops then began setting a bourbon cask beside a sherry cask of similar age, as The Whisky Exchange did with the Geisha pairs.