Karuizawa Ikebana Series - Kiku, Botan & Haibisukasu 1999-2000
The Karuizawa Ikebana Series is an exclusive collection of Japanese single malt whisky comprising three limited-edition releases: Kiku, Botan and Haibisukasu. Each expression is limited to just 30 bottles, making the collection exceptionally scarce. Combining the heritage of the renowned Karuizawa distillery with the symbolism of traditional Japanese flower arrangement, the series brings together rare whisky, Japanese cultural inspiration and distinctive presentation.
Karuizawa Ikebana Series – Three Expressions, Three Flowers
The collection takes its inspiration from ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. With roots in Buddhist rituals dating back to the 7th century, ikebana is an artistic practice in which flowers and branches are carefully selected and arranged to express emotion, meaning and harmony. The term is often interpreted as “giving life to flowers”, reflecting the intention behind this considered art form.
Each release in the Karuizawa Ikebana Series takes its name from a flower with its own cultural symbolism.
Kiku - Chrysanthemum
Kiku represents nobility, longevity, purity and trust. The chrysanthemum also serves as the emblem of the Japanese Emperor, giving this expression a strong connection to Japanese tradition and imperial symbolism.
ABV 46%
Botan - Peony
Botan symbolises wealth, honour, bravery and good fortune. The peony is also associated with wedding ceremonies, where it can represent respect and celebration.
ABV 48%
Haibisukasu - Hibiscus
Haibisukasu represents fleeting beauty and is traditionally offered as a gesture of welcome. Its symbolism adds a different perspective to the collection, reflecting the transient nature of beauty and the importance of the moment.
ABV 55%
Together, Kiku, Botan and Haibisukasu translate the cultural depth of ikebana into three distinct expressions of the Karuizawa Ikebana Series.
The Legacy of Karuizawa Distillery
Founded in 1955, Karuizawa was a Japanese whisky distillery that produced whisky in relatively small quantities, primarily for the domestic market. Production ceased in 2000, and the distillery subsequently closed. Although the distillery no longer produces whisky, a limited number of its original casks remain, making its surviving single malt releases finite.
Karuizawa achieved international recognition after its closure, and its vintage bottlings have become highly sought after by collectors of Japanese whisky. With no new whisky being produced at the original distillery, every remaining release represents a finite part of its history.
The Karuizawa Ikebana Series draws on this heritage, combining the identity of a closed Japanese distillery with an artistic concept rooted in traditional Japanese culture.
Exclusive Presentation and Packaging
The Karuizawa Ikebana Series is presented in a bottle crafted from high-purity glass. Intricate artwork is hand-painted directly onto the glass, giving the bottle an individual decorative character that complements the Japanese inspiration behind the collection.
Each bottle is housed in a bespoke oak wood box created exclusively for this release. The combination of hand-painted glass, custom-designed packaging and traditional floral symbolism makes the presentation an integral part of the collection.
With only 30 bottles of each expression, the series brings together rare Karuizawa whisky, Japanese artistic heritage and carefully designed presentation in a highly limited collection.
