A 37-year-old Karuizawa distilled in 1971 and bottled in 2008 in a hand-made Bizen-style ceramic bottle from the Yashirokama (八代窯) studio. It is bottled at 64.5% in a 500mL format.
About This Whisky
The whisky is linked to the enka singer Aki Yashiro, who made her debut in 1971, the same year this spirit went into cask. The two anniversaries met in 2008, and the whisky was named for her. Each bottle was made by hand at Yashirokama, the kiln of the ceramic artist Noboru Masuda. The official description calls the whisky soft and delicate for its strength, with white peach, dried fig and a little raisin, ending on warm sherry. It came in an original wooden case.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: White peach and dried fig, with old oak and a trace of sherry.
- Palate: Soft and delicate despite the strength. Raisin, stone fruit and gentle spice.
- Finish: Warm sherry notes, fading softly.
Serving & Food
Decant a small measure into a glass rather than tasting straight from the ceramic, and serve at room temperature. Add water in drops. White peach, a mild Tomme or plain sponge cake suit its gentle profile.
How to Enjoy
For those who value the Japanese craft story as much as the whisky, or want a taste of early-1970s Karuizawa.
Product Details
Distillery: Karuizawa (closed)
Country: Japan
Region: Miyota, Nagano
Bottled For: Yashirokama (八代窯)
Vintage: 1971
Bottled: 2008
Age: 37 years old
Bottle: Hand-made ceramic by Noboru Masuda
Presentation: Original wooden case
ABV: 64.5%
Volume: 500mL
About the Distillery
Karuizawa was a small distillery with a modest output. Its compact pot stills gave a heavy, oily spirit well suited to long years in wood.
The owners, Mercian, kept the malt mainly for blending, so single malt releases before the 2000s were few and mostly sold at home.