Karuizawa 17 YO

Karuizawa 17 YO, 40 %

Here's a special treat, at least it was a special treat for me. A good friend gave me a sample of this Karuizawa 17 YO. Noit sure when this was released, but it sells online for fantasy prices now. Master of Malt had one bottle for sale at one time (no date) at around GBP 170, so this must have been at least 3-4 years ago. Today you would have to pay at least five times that.

Nose (23/25): Hmm...smells a bit like an old bourbon whiskey really. Maple syrup, rich caramel (slightly burnt), hints of furniture polish, and a touch of perfume. At the same time there is a depth here, that does hint at something 'more'. It is warm and comforting. A touch of smoke plays in the background. Given time I also pick up hints of citrus and something medicinal. Quite a nice nose this. Oh wow, came back to it again now after a further 20 minutes. It - smells - divine! Soft and delicate spices are now added to the mix - cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin and incense. It now smells like an old, wooden, Japanese temple (yes, I have visited a few).

Taste (21/25): Smooth mouthfeel. Spicy attack, followed by a taste profile that again reminds me a lot of an old bourbon with added depth. Much the same associations as I got on the nose. Dryish and slightly bitter. Hints of cold smoke, and a noticeable oaky edge.

Finish (22/25): Medium to short finish. Wish it would have been longer. A soft, dark caramel finish with oaky notes. A metallic touch towards the end works really well here.

Balance (22/25): Especially loved the  nose here. It is a well-balanced whisky, but I wish we could have had the chance to enjoy this at a higher ABV. A bit weird to have it be this bourbon-like...

Score (88/100)

Thanks Tor Eivind!

Sláinte! - Thomas