Karuizawa Sapphire Geisha 31 & 36 years old

The fifth instalment in the Karuizawa Geishas series, bottled by Elixir Distillers and exclusive to The Whisky Exchange, is comprised of two single-cask bottlings of this profoundly-rare and sought-after spirit.

Aged in sherry casks for 31 and 36 years respectively, these Sapphire Geishas showcase the rich and lavish characteristics for which Karuizawa’s output is so famed.

 

Tasting notes for the 31-year-old include aromas of chocolate and leather, leading to dried fruits and a “deep, earthy savouriness” on the palate.

The 36-year-old is said to have notes of dried cherries, raisins, leafy, damp wood and cedar on the nose. The palate is described as having flavours of chocolate covered liquorice, blackcurrants, tar, spice and brown sugar.

Type: Japanese single cask whisky
Distillery: Karuizawa
Bottled by: Elixir Distillers for The Whisky Exchange
Bottled: 2020
Age: 31 and 36
Cask numbers: 31 – #3558 and 36 – #5077
Cask types: sherry
Strength: 31 – 58,9% and 36 – 61,2%
Quantity: 31 – 146 and 36 – 105 bottles