Colour: Fine, polished brass.

Aroma: Delicate and grassy with a bright orchard fruit profile, reminiscent at first of Speyside but developing a unique persimmon complexity.

Taste: Exceptional purity rivalled by few if any others. A fine salinity balanced by bright satsuma citrus notes makes for a sweet, ethereal palate.

Finish: For such a light, balanced whisky the finish is exceptionally long and complex. The persimmon on the nose comes back for an encore, taking a final bow with notes of ginger, allspice and bay.

Colour: Bronze.

Aroma: The nose approaches with an intensity that the ultra-fine 12 year old foregoes and brings with it a herbal note with subtle tarragon and sage alongside dried, oloroso-soaked dates.

Taste: A remarkable richness courtesy of the judiciously applied sherry barrels, this has a very complete palate with density, focus and a subtle cinnamon spiciness.

Finish: Goes on for ages, this is a pensive whisky that rewards those who spend time with it, exploring every nook and cranny within its palatial expanse.

Whisky Advocate (93)

Experience the remarkable artistry of the Karuizawa Single Malt 1985 Cask 2364 1985; a true testament to the craft of Japanese whisky. Distilled in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, at the now-defunct Karuizawa distillery, this 1985 vintage quickly gathered international appraisal for its distinctive flavour profile and rare availability. The whisky matures in Spanish sherry casks, which imparts a deep, rich hue alongside notes of dried fruit, earthy oak, and intoxicating spices. This elegant single malt reveals its robust, yet balanced, complexity through a harmony of dark chocolate, toasty nuts, and a hint of exotic citrus. The Karuizawa Single Malt 1985 Cask 2364 1985 not only represents a glorious era of whisky-making but is also an enticing collector's item, its value only heightened by the distillery's closure in 2011. This spiritually Japanese dram is a distinguished masterpiece blending history, tradition, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Indulge in the rare beauty of Karuizawa Single Malt Noh Whisky - The Mask of Chorei Beshimi Sherry Butt Single Cask No 7576 28YO Bottled 2012 1983, regarded as a masterpiece among whisky connoisseurs. This exquisitely rich single malt has spent 28 years maturing in Sherry casks, intensifying its unique character and depth of taste. Produced at the esteemed Karuizawa distillery, nestled in the Japanese Alps, this whisky reflects the site's glorious natural surroundings. Distilled in 1983 and bottled in 2012, the whisky is scarce yet well-preserved. The distillery's commitment to traditional production methods imparts an unmatched class, regarded as a reflection of Japanese craftsmanship at its finest. Karuizawa Single Malt Noh Whisky - The Mask of Chorei Beshimi Sherry Butt Single Cask No 7576 28YO Bottled 2012 1983 offers notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of smoke, culminating in a gloriously long, warming finish that delights the senses.

Indulge in the exquisite Miyagikyo Single Malt 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Bottled 2019 NV, an exceptional whisky distilled in the heartland of Japan. Crafted by the prestigious Nikka Whisky at the renowned Miyagikyo Distillery, this remarkable offering is famous for its sublime balance and complexity. The delicate, unassuming character of this whisky is a true embodiment of the distillery's distinct style, mirrored in the gentle undulating landscape that surrounds it. A testament to Nikka's dedication to traditional craftsmanship, this malt offers sherry-cask accents of fruit and spices, layered harmoniously with the distillery's signature malt. Expect an orchestra of flavours, from soft floral notes to hints of rich fruitiness. This limited edition is a true collector's gem, marking the distillery's remarkable 50th anniversary. Immerse yourself in a beautiful sip of history with the Miyagikyo Single Malt 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Bottled 2019 NV.

Whisky Advocate (93)