Karuizawa Single Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky (1978 Release, Ex-Bourbon Cask Matured)

Founded in 1955 in Miyota, Karuizawa distillery began production in 1956, initially making single malt for Ocean blends. After 1958, it experimented with Speyside-style whisky, using golden promise barley and sherry casks. By the 1980s, it released its whisky as a single malt in Japan. However, due to a weak market, the distillery closed in 2001 and was dismantled. Its legacy endures through relocated stills and highly sought-after single cask releases starting in 2007, making Karuizawa one of the most rare single malts today.

This particular release is a 35-year-old single cask Karuizawa, distilled in December 1978 and bottled in July 2014 from ex-bourbon cask #8383. Bottled at 63% ABV, it is one of only 405 bottles produced and was bottled for La Maison du Whisky.