Karuizawa » Karuizawa 39 years old
Karuizawa 39-year-old whiskies represent some of the finest and most coveted expressions from the now-closed Karuizawa distillery, renowned for its rare, limited releases. Situated near the base of Mount Asama, an active volcano, the distillery produced whisky in small batches, using traditional methods combined with an emphasis on long maturation in sherry casks. The resulting whiskies are rich, intense, and complex, often displaying bold flavors of dark fruits, spices, and oak. With the distillery closing in 2000 and its stock rapidly diminishing, Karuizawa’s 39-year-old releases are among the most sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs alike, symbolizing the pinnacle of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Karuizawa 1974/2013 39yo 57.2% cask#6409 Vintage
This bottle is a remarkable single cask whisky from the legendary Karuizawa distillery. Distilled in 1974 and bottled in 2013 after 39 years of maturation, it represents the epitome of Karuizawa’s craftsmanship. Aged in a single sherry cask (#6409), this whisky has developed deep, rich flavors, with an ABV of 57.2%. The extended aging period in sherry wood has infused the whisky with complex notes of dried fruits, spices, and a signature boldness that Karuizawa is famous for. As a highly limited release, this bottle is a rare collector’s item and a testament to the distillery’s now-defunct yet revered status.
Karuizawa 1972/2011 39yo 63.3% cask#7038 Vintage
Distilled in 1972 and bottled in 2011 after 39 years, this Karuizawa single cask release is another example of the distillery’s exceptional whisky-making techniques. With a higher ABV of 63.3%, cask #7038 offers a powerful yet refined expression. Aged in sherry wood, it delivers an intense array of flavors, including dark chocolate, dried figs, and warming spices. Its robust nature is balanced by a long, smooth finish, a hallmark of Karuizawa’s masterful aging process. As with other Karuizawa bottlings, this whisky is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike, marking a piece of whisky history from Japan’s golden era of distillation.
Both of these whiskies encapsulate the exceptional legacy of Karuizawa, showcasing the distillery’s talent for creating bold, sherry-cask matured whiskies that are now considered legendary in the whisky world.
