Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662)
| Brand | Karuizawa |
| Age Statement | 17 Year Old |
| ABVÂ | 40%Â |
| Size | 70cl |
| Classification | World Whisky |
This is an exceptionally exquisite release of a 29 year old Japanese single malt whisky from the renowned Karuizawa distillery. Distilled in 1984 and carefully aged in a Sherry cask, this whisky embodies true craftsmanship. Regrettably, the distillery ceased operations permanently in 2001, making this whisky an exceedingly rare find.
Original price was: $3,536.00.$2,800.00Current price is: $2,800.00.
Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984
The Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 is an exceptional and highly sought-after single malt Japanese whisky. Hailing from the now-defunct Karuizawa distillery, this whisky is a rare gem that whisky connoisseurs and collectors prize for its exquisite depth of flavor and incredible age statement.
Distilled in 1984, this Karuizawa whisky was matured for an astounding 29 years in casks before being bottled. The extended maturation period has imbued the spirit with layer upon layer of complex, nuanced flavors. On the nose, the Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 offers enticing aromas of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and subtle spice. The palate is equally captivating, with flavors of stewed plums, cinnamon, and toasted oak that meld together in perfect harmony.
What sets this Karuizawa expression apart is its remarkable balance and finesse. Despite its advanced age, it manages to avoid any overpowering woodiness or heavy, cloying qualities. Instead, the whisky maintains a graceful, elegant profile that seamlessly integrates the influence of the cask with the distillery’s signature fruity and floral spirit character.
The Karuizawa distillery itself has a storied history. Established in 1955 and located in the mountainous Nagano prefecture, it was known for producing some of Japan’s most acclaimed and collectible single malt whiskies. However, the distillery fell victim to the Japanese whisky industry’s downturn in the 1990s and was sadly shuttered in 2000. This has made surviving Karuizawa expressions, like the 29 Year Old 1984, all the more precious and valuable to whisky enthusiasts.
For those fortunate enough to acquire a bottle of this Karuizawa single malt, it promises to be an exceptional drinking experience. The depth of flavor, balance, and sheer age of this whisky make it a true collector’s item and a remarkable representation of Japanese whisky making at its finest. Whether sipped neat, with a dash of water, or incorporated into high-end cocktails, the Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 is sure to impress and delight even the most discerning whisky aficionado.
Teste and ABV of Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984
The Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 is renowned for its exceptional and complex flavor profile, which is the result of its extended 29-year maturation period. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the tasting experience this rare Japanese single malt offers:
Appearance: In the glass, the Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 presents a deep, burnished gold color with hints of amber. The viscosity is apparent, with legs slowly forming on the sides of the glass.
Nose: The aroma is immediately captivating, offering layer upon layer of nuanced scents. Initial notes of dried fruit, such as prunes, figs, and raisins, mingle with baking spices like cinnamon and allspice. Underlying this is a rich, chocolaty depth, reminiscent of dark cocoa and mocha. There are also subtle floral and herbal notes, adding to the overall elegance and balance of the bouquet.
Palate: The first sip reveals a remarkably silky, velvety mouthfeel that coats the tongue. The flavors unfold progressively, starting with a burst of stewed stone fruits – plums, cherries, and dates. These are complemented by warming spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove. As the whisky glides across the palate, the oakiness becomes apparent, but in a beautifully integrated way, contributing notes of toasted almonds, toffee, and subtle vanilla.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and elegant, slowly fading with lingering notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs, and a touch of citrus zest. There is a satisfying dryness that prevents the whisky from becoming cloying, maintaining a refined, well-balanced character throughout.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): The Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 has an alcohol content of 55.5% ABV. This relatively high proof helps to support the whisky’s rich, complex flavor profile, providing an intense yet smooth drinking experience.
Overall, the Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 is a masterclass in whisky craftsmanship. The extended maturation has allowed the spirit to develop an unparalleled depth of flavor, seamlessly blending the distillery’s signature fruity and floral notes with the influence of the oak. This creates a harmonious and captivating drinking experience that is truly a testament to the skill of Karuizawa’s whisky makers.
