KARUIZAWA 1999 ARTIST 10TH Anniversary International

Located at the foot of an active volcano, Mount Asama, the Karuizawa distillery was founded in 1955. Closed in 2000, it was demolished in 2016. Numerous mythical releases have greatly contributed to the reputation of this iconic single malt, crafted from the famous and renowned variety of barley called “Golden Promise”. From top to bottom, this anniversary edition demonstrates an exceptional combination of power and smoothness. Long after tasting, the lingering notes of cinnamon, coffee, truffle, tobacco, orange peel, hazelnut, and bacon that compose the dry extracts in the empty glass reflect the richness and complexity of an aromatic and gustatory palette that evokes lost paradises in many ways. Single Cask No. 872 – Sherry Butt Limited Edition of 313 bottles. An exclusive by LMDW.

Tasting Notes

Colour : Mahogany with green reflections.

Nose : Rich, complex. Sumptuous, the initial aroma reveals scents of fig, blood orange, Emeri canvas, flambéed banana, and licorice of great distinction. With aeration, suspended dust particles, fragrances of precious wood, polish, and leather lead the aromatic palette to increasingly complex territories. Then, exotic fruits (mango, guava, persimmon), black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), red fruits (wild strawberry), and apricots form a third olfactory sequence whose maturity is matched only by its freshness.

Palate : Lively, tense. Wonderfully licorice and malty, the palate’s attack reveals notes of coffee, tobacco, and dried fruits (date, fig) with rare intensity. In the mid-palate, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves imbue chocolate flavors whose bitterness of supreme elegance is a pure delight. Then comes the time for heady flowers. Bouquets of iris, gardenia, and geranium delicately placed on an antique piece of furniture, that is the image suggested by the finish on the palate.

Finish : Long, delicate. Gourmand (gingerbread, raisin bread, Corinthian raisins), the beginning of the finish is finely powdered (cocoa, ginger). Autumnal, with notes of humus and undergrowth, it evokes the time of mushroom picking (porcini, chanterelle, bolete). Gradually, chocolate and mint gently and refreshingly coat the taste buds. In retro-olfaction, freshly squeezed oranges, star anise, and slightly burnt caramel prolong the tasting experience infinitely. Escaping from the empty glass, notes of rosewood, Russian leather, spiced wood, and sweet Havana perfume the ambient atmosphere.

Profile : Sumptuous, licorice-forward.