1981 (SOLD OUT) Karuizawa K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Japanese Single Malt Whisky 750ml (w/NOH label) (Pre-Arrival)

This legendary distillery has never been available in the United States before. We've worked tirelessly over the past three years to introduce this incredible whisky to our customers. Karuizawa Distillery, located in the Japanese Alps, has not produced any whisky since the early 2000s. Production first began in 1956 and was used exclusively for blending until the late 80s when Single Malt Whisky began to gain notoriety in Japan and worldwide. They've become renowned for the use of incredibly powerful sherry casks. These whiskies are like no other in the world, but will satisfy even the most demanding Single Malt aficionado. The 1981 is considered a rockstar vintage for Karuizawa and has resulted in some very high scoring whisky. This cask is no less impressive than others I've tasted from the vintage. Powerful aromas of coasted coffee, struck match, moss, dried tropical fruit and exotic wood. The high proof does mask some of flavor initially, but the tiniest drop of water brings out an incredible array of flavors. Any sulfur disappears and is replaced by just more of everything else. The tropical fruit really comes to the front, but this time it's fresh mango peel covered in spices, clove, nutmeg, allspice. A seemingly endless list of flavors appear on the palate. It's just incredible hot little heat this gives off at this incredible proof. Needless to say, this is going to be a bench mark whisky for K&L and the whisky community as a whole. (David Othenin-Girard)