Karuizawa 1965 Monyou Edition Sherry LMDW

Karuizawa 1965 Monyou Edition Sherry LMDW, 50 YO, 62,3 %

Here is the second whisky in this unique pair from French whisky importer, retailer, independent bottler and spirits specialist La Maison du Whisky (LMDW). They released two 50 year old Karuizawas last year. One bourbon matured (review here) and this sherry matured one.

The Karuizawa 1965 Monyou Edition Sherry LMDW is a single cask release (cask #2372). It was distilled in December 1965, and bottled in January 2016. The total outturn was 286 bottles, and it was bottled at a cask strength of 62,3 %. The cask used was a sherry butt, and judging by the colour I would guess it was a 2nd fill, but the correct answer is lost to time.

I tasted this unique whisky at a once-in-a-lifetime tasting arranged by Symposion in Stockholm on April 1 this year.

Nose: Lighter than the bourbon variant. That's what strikes me first. The sherry cask reveals itself by a soft hint of sulphur right away, but this works as a spice here. The sulphur whiff completely disappears after a few minutes. Hints of chewing gum. I find incense, soft dried fruits, and something green in the background. Again an old whisky that keeps developing and evolving.

Taste: Again it appears softer and rounder than the bourbon variant. Light caramel, oak, dried fruits and leather. Light notes of bubblegum. Hints of some licorice.

Finish: Very long finish. Continues as it started, and lands very softly. It really covers the whole palate. Every single receptor on the tongue is challenged and caressed at the same time.

Comments: Wow! This whisky is complete.

Score (95/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas

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Please note that my participation on this tasting was  sponsored by Symposion. All the text and the opinions are my own, but you deserve to know.

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