軽井沢の短い歴史
A Short History of Karuizawa
Established in 1955 in Miyota, Japan, Karuizawa Distillery was renowned for producing whisky in the traditional Scottish style. Situated at an elevation of 850 meters on the slopes of Mount Asama, an active volcano, the distillery benefited from a unique microclimate and pure water filtered through volcanic rock.
Karuizawa was Japan's smallest distillery, with an annual production of just 150,000 liters. The distillery imported Golden Promise barley from Scotland and primarily aged its whisky in sherry casks, resulting in rich and complex flavors.
Despite its acclaim, the distillery ceased operations in 2000 and was officially closed in 2012. The remaining liquid has become the most sought after in the world today, with bottles becoming rarer by the day.
リキッド
The Liquid
Inside this elegant bottle is a vatting of 1999-2000 vintage Karuizawa Single Malt, initially matured in first-fill Oloroso casks, before being bottled and transported to Scotland. It was then decanted into, and finished in, an ex-Caol Ila Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask.
This unique finish adds a distinctive and delightful smoky, maritime character to Karuizawa’s signature rich, sherried profile. It’s a wonderfully balanced dram, one you’ll want to revisit time and again.
デザイン
The Design
The label of this Karuizawa Single Malt flows seamlessly in elegant gold and white, capturing the majestic beauty of China’s mountains and rivers. Gold-foiled traditional cloud motifs and a Taihu stone element at the base further elevate the design, all printed on textured paper that bridges heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
To the right, Karuizawa is rendered in graceful Chinese calligraphy, accompanied by complementary artistic patterns below. The background features Luoyingdanfen, a traditional Chinese hue celebrated for its soft, poetic charm. A torn foil accent at the top adds a touch of organic spontaneity, blending timeless artistry with modern craftsmanship.
The bottle is housed in a masterfully crafted wooden box, with both the distillery and whisky names laser-etched into the cabinet door. A fitting home for a prestigious release, allowing owners to display their whisky with pride.
Tasting Notes
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On the Nose
Rich, dried fruits mingle with building oak, before subtle citrus cuts through the richness, with hints of peat smoke lingering in the background.
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On the Palate
The gentle hints of smoke keep building alongside charred oak, juicy red berries and tannic notes imparted by the original sherry cask. This is all delivered with a creamy, full mouthfeel.
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The Finish
The finish is long and exquisite, with rich sherry notes, christmas cake and alcohol soaked sultanas lingering alongside a soft smokiness right up until your next sip.
Karuizawa whisky finished in ex-Caol Ila