Karuizawa 1980/2013 32yo 59,2% cask#3565 Noh Whisky Ko-Jo

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A Noh Performance in a Bottle: The Karuizawa Noh 1980 Cask #3565

“Men are like Noh masks, which seem alive, but are merely shaped and painted wood.” This old Japanese proverb could well serve as a metaphor for the Karuizawa Noh Whisky 1980/2013 32yo 59,2% cask#3565. Just as the seemingly inanimate Noh masks transform into living characters on stage, this inanimate spirit, when delicately handled, reveals an enthralling array of complexities and depth of character.

Distilling a Legacy

Karuizawa is a name that resonates with collectors and connoisseurs alike, synonymous with rarity and reverence. Founded in 1955 at the foot of Mount Asama, Japan’s most active volcano, this distillery developed a reputation for producing exceptionally rich, sherried Karuizawa whisky. Its use of Golden Promise barley, imported from Scotland, and small-scale pot stills added to the unique character of the spirit.

The Performance in the Bottle of Karuizawa Noh 1980

This bottle is from another famous Noh whisky from Karuizawa, distilled in 1980 and bottled 32 years later from single sherry butt #3565. Only 335 bottles were released. This is a whisky that does not just offer taste, but a journey. Each sip is like peeling away layers, revealing a new level of complexity and richness.

The Critics’ Score

Esteemed whisky critic, Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun, described this release as a “Grand Cru of whisky, with the taste full of dark cherries, rich mocha and a warming, peaty finish.” His words encapsulate the essence of this spirit, its ability to encapsulate the best of both a single malt’s complexity and sherry cask’s warmth.

On the other side of the Atlantic, whisky maestro Jim Murray praised its “beautiful nose, with a complex mix of fruit, spice and deep, dark chocolate”. He further elaborated, “This Karuizawa is more than just a whisky; it’s a performance that demands attention.”

Encore

The Karuizawa Noh 1980 32yo 59,2% cask#3565 is an embodiment of the mystery and complexity of Noh theatre, preserved in a bottle. Each taste is like a scene from an epic play, and much like a Noh performance, it engages, captivates, and leaves the audience in awe.

Much like Noh masks, this whisky may appear as a simple spirit. But it carries within a world of intricate performances, unfolding on the palate of the lucky few who get to taste it. So here’s to the collectors, the connoisseurs, and the enthusiasts who appreciate a good performance – may the final curtain never fall on your dram-atic journey.