Noh Whisky
Unique series of the highest quality – from Karuizawa’s distillery.
Karuizawa distillery (1956 – 2011) was one of the smallest Japanese whisky distilleries. Despite its size, however, Karuizawa was an important player in the whisky market, both in Japan and worldwide. In 1976, they released the first 100% malt whisky produced in Japan. What is more, the distillery got multiple awards during IWSC (International Wine and Spirit Competition) and International Spirits Challenge. For their taste, quality and incredibly small stock, Karuizawa’s whiskies are some of the most sought-after spirits in the world.
What is particularly interesting about Karuizawa distillery is its production process. Sources say that they were very strict about ageing in sherry barrels and used water from the Asama Mountains to give the spirits unique freshness. The storage was also covered with ivy plants to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity.
One of the biggest and most popular collections of Karuizawa distillery is the Noh Whisky series. Sold for thousands of dollars per bottle, it consists of a wide range of mostly single cask editions that draw in connoisseurs and collectors from around the world.
Each bottle is decorated with a traditional Japanese Noh Performer mask and tells its own unique story. The Noh Whisky series bottles are hard to find on their own, so it is very uncommon to see them all for sale together.
The Noh Whisky series consists of 36 different editions, the oldest (Cask #1842) being over 41 years old and the youngest (Cask #6066) – 10.
This image features the mask of the Noh character, Hannya, a sorrowful female serpent-demon.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1971
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 41 years
- Cask type: Bourbon
- Cask number: #1842
- Number of bottles: 82
- Strength: 63,7%
- Size: 700ml
Colour: Deep Amber
Aroma: Concentrated and complex, with some pronounced dried fruit, sweet aromas.
Taste: Deep and heavy, full of burnt wood, pipe, and tobacco tastes. Allowed to breathe, it releases fresh, fruity notes.
The label portrays a scene from the famous Noh play Haoromo, which is renowned and widely recognized.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1976
- Bottled: 2009
- Age: 32 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #6719
- Number of bottles: 486
- Strength: 63%
- Size: 700ml
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1977
- Bottled: 2010
- Age: 32 years
- Cask type: Sherry
- Cask number: #4592
- Number of bottles: 190
- Strength: 60.7%
- Size: 700ml
This particular bottle label highlights a scene from the Noh play Ama, also known as The Fisher Girl, a recognizable reference for enthusiasts of the Noh series.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1977
- Bottled: 2008
- Age: 30 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #7026
- Number of bottles: 528
- Strength: 62.8%
- Size: 700ml
This image features the mask of the Noh character, Shunkan, a priest exiled after being betrayed and exposed as plotting against the government.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1980
- Bottled: 2012
- Age: 32 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #7614
- Number of bottles: 102
- Strength: 50,4 %
- Size: 700ml
Colour: Deep Molasses
Aroma: Smokey and dark. Very pronounced burnt wood and petrol notes.
Taste: Musty and almost nutty. Complex and unique, much lighter than the #1842 Cask Noh Whisky. The lower strength of the #7614 Cask releases a smoothness that perfectly coats the mouth.
This label features the mask of the Noh character, Ko-Jo, a god that takes the form of an old man.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1980
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 32 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #3565
- Number of bottles: 335
- Strength: 59,2 %
- Size: 700ml
- Colour: Warm Gold
Aroma: Unforgettable and intense. First, it releases notes of cooked vegetables, leather, gas and old wood, then nutmeg, tobacco, chocolate, coffee and raisins.
Taste: Chocolate, oak, and strong peat. Allowed to breathe, it releases sherry-like, sweeter and creamier notes, similar to toffee, nutmeg and cooked fruit. #3565 serves a warm and long finish with woody, mouth-drying, slightly herbal notes.
This label features a mask of the Noh character, Namanari, a grudgeful woman spurned by her husband’s leaving.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2012
- Age: 31 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #4676
- Number of bottles: 186
- Strength: 58,6 %
- Size: 700ml
Colour: Burnt Carmel.
Aroma: Rich and complex. Full of cedarwood, butter fudge and dried fruit notes. Allowed to breathe, it releases tree sap, tobacco and chocolate-covered berries.
Taste: Intense wood-like flavours with notes of cough syrups, vanilla and forest berries. Dusty, ashy and strong finish releases a very pronounced tobacco aroma.
This label features the mask of the Noh character, Asakura-jō, an elderly common man.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 31 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #155
- Number of bottles: 595
- Strength: 56 %
- Size: 700ml
Colour: Warm Walnut.
Aroma: Pretty classic for Karuizawa but excellent and intense. Full of new wood, wet pipe, tobacco, caramel, oak and cacao. Slightly smokey tones with the addition of bittery-sour, cherry notes.
Taste: Powerful, and balanced. Punchy, leathery, woody notes with varnish. Good sweetness, similar to dried plums and cooked citrus, jam, and autumnal spices. Serves a very long, woody but not mouth-drying finish.
This label features the mask of the Noh character, Shiwa-jō, a revered elderly gentleman nearing deity status.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 31 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #4333
- Number of bottles: 94
- Strength: 66,3 %
- Size: 700ml
This label features the mask of the Noh character, Rōjo, a dignified elderly woman.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 31 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #348
- Number of bottles: 207
- Strength: 58,9%
- Size: 700ml
This Noh Whisky is a special edition bottled for K&L Wine Merchants.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 31 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #8775
- Number of bottles: 196
- Strength: 62,3%
- Size: 750ml
Noh Whisky Karuizawa 1981 cask#8775
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2012
- Age: 30 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #8775
- Number of bottles: 210
- Strength: 64,4%
- Size: 750ml
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2017
- Age: 35 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #6183
- Number of bottles: 486
- Strength: 56.5%
- Size: 700ml
This mask will surely appeal not only to fans of the Karuizawa Noh Whisky series or The Legend of Asama but also to enthusiasts of Japanese tradition.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1981
- Bottled: 2017
- Age: 35 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #4059
- Number of bottles: 226
- Strength: 60.6%
- Size: 700ml
An exceptional label adorned with the Noh character mask of Shikami, symbolizing a malevolent and aggressively sinister spirit.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1982
- Bottled: 2012
- Age: 29 years
- Cask type: Bourbon
- Cask number: #8529
- Number of bottles: 411
- Strength: 58,8%
- Size: 700ml
This label features the mask of the Noh character, Chorei Beshimi.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1983
- Bottled: 2012
- Age: 28 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #7576
- Number of bottles: 571
- Strength: 57,2%
- Size: 700ml
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1983
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 29 years
- Cask type: Bourbon Cask
- Cask number: #8552
- Number of bottles: 130
- Strength: 54.3%
- Size: 700ml
Another bottle from the Noh Whisky series. The label on this bottle showcases the mask of a Noh character, Doji, representing an innocent young boy with a distinctive, effeminate appearance.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1983
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 29 years
- Cask type: Sherry Hogshead
- Cask number: #5322
- Number of bottles: 205
- Strength: 59,4%
- Size: 700ml
The single cask collection highlights masks from Japan’s traditional Noh theater, and this particular label depicts Ko-Omote, symbolizing the youngest female character in the tradition.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1984
- Bottled: 2014
- Age: 30 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #3032
- Number of bottles: 279
- Strength: 61,4%
- Size: 750ml
On the label of this Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle, you’ll find Ishio-jō, a reserved and introspective old man of quiet dignity.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1984
- Bottled: 2015
- Age: 30 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #2030
- Number of bottles: 522
- Strength: 58,2%
- Size: 700ml
The label of this Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle depicts the Noh character mask of Ko-Beshimi, which is utilized to represent infernal or demonic spirits.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1989
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 23 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #7893
- Number of bottles: 302
- Strength: 63.9%
- Size: 700ml
This bottle is from another well-known Noh single cask release by Karuizawa, but it doesn’t feature a mask on the label. The decision to use small 200 ml bottles was made for Whisky Magazine.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1991
- Bottled: 2010
- Age: 19 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #3206
- Strength: 60.8%
- Size: 200ml
The label on this bottle showcases the mask of Ō-Beshimi, a Noh character that resembles the famous and mythical Japanese creature known as ‘Tengu’.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1994
- Bottled: 2010
- Age: 15 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #270
- Number of bottles: 480
- Strength: 62.7%
- Size: 700ml
The Noh series is distinguished by its outstanding quality and captivating labels that feature various Noh masks, adding an additional layer of artistry and cultural significance. This is another of them.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1994
- Bottled: 2016
- Age: 21 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #6149
- Number of bottles: 380
- Strength: 63.6%
- Size: 700ml
The mask depicted in this image belongs to the Noh character Ayakashi, a ghost known for possessing enigmatic abilities.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1994
- Bottled: 2016
- Age: 22 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #7640
- Number of bottles: 435
- Strength: 62.3%
- Size: 700ml
The label on this specific Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle showcases Kamiasobi – Akujyo, The God, recognized as a fearsome ancient deity.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1995
- Bottled: 2008
- Age: 12 years
- Cask type: Japanese Wine Cask
- Cask number: #5004
- Number of bottles: 186, 180
- Strength: 63,0%
- Size: 700ml, 750ml
The bottle’s label showcases a Noh character’s mask from a performance by the Kamiasobi troupe.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1995
- Bottled: 2009
- Age: 14 years
- Cask type: Wine Cask
- Cask number: #5039
- Number of bottles: 222
- Strength: 59.4%
- Size: 700ml
The Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle label, designed by the Kamiasobi Noh Troupe, features the portrayal of a female character named Kanawa. This character’s story revolves around her transformation into a demon and her subsequent attempt to harm her husband after he left her for another woman.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1995
- Bottled: 2008
- Age: 13 years
- Cask type: Japanese Wine Cask
- Cask number: #5007
- Number of bottles: 246
- Strength: 63%
- Size: 750ml
Caol Ila 1995 12yo 46% belongs to the Noh Whisky collection, but unlike others in the series, it does not showcase traditional Noh theater masks on its labels.
- Category: Single Malt
- Distillery: Caol Ila
- Distilled: 1995
- Age: 12 years
- Cask type: Sherry Hogshead
- Strength: 46%
- Size: 200ml
one of the two smallest Noh bottlings of Karuizawa, at only 200 ml. These special releases made their debut at the Whisky Fair in 2011.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1997
- Bottled: 2010
- Age: 13 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #3312
- Strength: 60.2%
- Size: 200ml
The label of this Hanyu bottle features a mask representing an older character, one of the theatrical personas preserved by the bottler in collaboration with other bottlers for the Noh Series whisky.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Hanyu
- Distilled: 1988
- Bottled: 2009
- Age: 21 years
- Cask type: Spanish Oak Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #9306
- Number of bottles: 625
- Strength: 55.6%
- Size: 700ml
The label of this Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle portrays the character Ō-tobide, who can be seen as a vengeful ghost, the God of Thunder, or even the God of Heaven, depending on the Noh play.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 1999
- Bottled: 2013
- Age: 13 years
- Cask type: Sherry Butt
- Cask number: #869
- Number of bottles: 500
- Strength: 57.7%
- Size: 750ml
On this bottle of Hanyu Noh Whisky, you’ll find a character from a well-known Noh play featured on the label.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Hanyu
- Distilled: 2000
- Bottled: 2010
- Age: 10 years
- Cask type: Puncheon
- Cask number: #6066
- Number of bottles: 462
- Strength: 61%
- Size: 700ml
The label of this Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle features the mask of Noh, one of the characters from a renowned Noh play.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Distilled: 2000
- Bottled: 2015
- Age: 15 years
- Cask type: Sherry Cask
- Cask number: #2326
- Number of bottles: 495
- Strength: 62.2%
- Size: 700ml
The label of this Karuizawa Noh Whisky bottle showcases the mask of Matsukaze, a female ghost and the central character in a renowned Noh play of the same name.
- Category: Japanese whisky
- Distillery: Karuizawa
- Bottled: 2011
- Cask type: Sherry Butt & Bourbon Cask
- Cask number: 6405, 4973, 8184 & 6437
- Number of bottles: 1500
- Strength: 59.1%
- Size: 700ml
Check out our current Noh Whisky stock below:
-
Caol Ila 1995 12yo 46% Noh Whisky
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Hanyu 1988/2009 21yo 55,6% cask#9306 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Hanyu 2000/2010 10yo 61% cask#6066 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1971/2013 41yo 63,7% cask#1842 NOH
€ 50 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1976/2009 32yo 63% cask#6719 Noh Whisky Kamiasobi – Hagoromo
€ 11 500,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1977/2008 30yo 62,8% cask#7026 Noh Whisky Kamiasobi – Ama the Fisher-girl
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1977/2010 32yo 60,7% cask#4592 NOH Kamiasobi – Shiroheita
€ 15 500,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1980/2012 32yo 50,4% cask#7614 Noh Whisky Shunkan
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1980/2013 32yo 59,2% cask#3565 Noh Whisky Ko-Jo
€ 18 000,00 Add to basket -
Karuizawa 1981/2012 31yo 58,6% cask#4676 Noh Whisky Namanari
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1981/2013 31yo 56% cask#155 Noh Whisky
€ 5 600,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1981/2013 31yo 58,9% cask#348 Noh Whisky Rōjo
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1981/2013 31yo 62,3% cask#8775 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1981/2013 31yo 66,3% cask#4333 Noh Whisky Shiwa-jō
€ 15 500,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1981/2017 35yo 60,6% cask#4059 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1981/35yo cask#6183 Noh Whisky
€ 7 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1982/2012 29yo 58,8% cask#8529 Noh Whisky
€ 18 000,00 Add to basket -
Karuizawa 1983/2012 28yo 57,2% cask#7576 Noh Whisky Chorei Beshimi
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1983/2013 29yo 54,3% cask#8552 NOH LMDW
€ 12 000,00 Add to basket -
Karuizawa 1983/2013 29yo 59,4% cask#5322 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1984/2014 30yo 61,4% cask#3032 Noh Whisky
€ 12 500,00 Add to basket -
Karuizawa 1984/2015 30yo 58,2% cask#2030 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Add to basket -
Karuizawa 1989/2013 23yo 63,9% cask#7893 Noh Whisky
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1991/2010 19yo 60,8% cask#3206 Noh Whisky
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1994/2010 15yo 62,7% cask#270 Noh Whisky Kamiasobi
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1994/2016 21yo 63,6% cask#6149 Noh Whisky
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1994/2016 22yo 62,3% cask#7640 Noh Whisky Ayakashi
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1995/2008 12yo 63% cask#5004 NOH Whisky – Kamiasobi – Akujyo The God of Whisky
€ 8 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1995/2008 13yo 63% cask#5007 Noh Whisky Mei Lu Xiang-Hong Barrel
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1995/2009 14yo 59,4% cask#5039 Noh Whisky Dr. Jekyll’s Expression
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1997/2010 13yo 60,2% cask#3312 Noh Whisky
€ 5 800,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 1999/2013 13yo 57,7% cask#869 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa 2000/2015 15yo 62,2% cask#2326 Noh Whisky
€ 12 000,00 Read more -
Karuizawa Noh Whisky Multi-Vintages #1 59,1%
€ 12 000,00 Read more
