Karuizawa 1984 29 YO Cask #7802 Cask by Cask

13 Mar

Karuizawa 1984 29 YO Cask #7802 Cask by Cask, 56,7 %

This is a single cask bottled by Independent Bottler Number One Drinks, and bottled for Cask Norway and Cask Sweden. It was distilled 1984-11-29 and bottled 2014-10-13, with a total outturn of 577 bottles. Karuizawa 1984 29 YO Cask #7802 Cask by Cask was matured in an Oloroso sherry butt made of Spanish Oak (cask #7802).

This whisky was of course sold out immediately when it was released in Norway, where it sold at NOK 4525 (item number 1975101). As far as we know the second half of the outturn will be released for sale in Sweden in March 2015 at around SEK 6000 - more info as soon as we know.

Nose (25/25): This is pure art. This is a dream in a glass. Sunshine and good memories distilled. Wow! I find no flaws, nothing that could be improved upon, not a single little thing I would have wanted differently on this nose. This is definitely a sherry whisky, but it is delicate and supremely balanced. So, so soft. Fruits of the dried kind and exotic kind, apricots, cinnamon, cardamom, white pepper, and sweet plums. Very rich and complex. You can literally nose this for hours on end and not find a dull moment.

Taste (23/25): Delicate and rich sherry notes to taste as well. Not very surprising, but I was slightly worried there would be too much oak here - but not to worry! Spicy upfront; fresh ginger, pepper and cinnamon. Very oily and rich. Intense and passionate!

Finish (24/25): Rich and complex still, and it stays this way for what feels like hours. Very long finish. Very fruity; raisins, apricots and dates. Exotic with a touch of something acidic. Delicate spices, soft caramel, and a hint of oakiness. Slightly dry towards the finish, but still mouthwatering.

Balance (24/25): I have fallen in love with this dram. It is such a wonderful creation!

Score (96/100)