Karuizawa, 1983 Cask #7576
This expression of Karuizawa was bottled as a 28-year-old for The Whisky Exchange in 2012. It showcases a distinctive label inspired by Japan's noble 14th-century Noh Theatre.
Nose
Coffee, dark chocolate, black cherry, mint, meaty notes, black tea, pecan pie, nutty sweetness
Palate
Reduced red summer fruits, bonfire, treacle toffee, raisins, dates
Finish
Charred oak, smoky pulled pork, BBQ beef brisket, creamy, jammy
Coffee and dark chocolate rise with energy from the glass, quickly backed by black cherry, a hint of mint and subtle meaty tones, with well-brewed black tea adding spice and dryness before a suggestion of pecan pie brings a distinct nutty sweetness to close the nose. The palate delivers a huge hit of highly reduced red summer fruits alongside autumnal bonfire warmth and treacle toffee, while a splash of water coaxes out plumper, drier fruit — raisins and dates emerging with quiet confidence. The finish takes an unexpected and memorable turn, with charred, smoky pulled pork and BBQ beef brisket giving way to a creamy, almost jammy note that lingers long after the glass is empty.
