Karuizawa 1977 (cask #3584)

Number One Drinks released a series of outstanding Karuizawa with Geisha labels, as an homage to these Japanese young girls / artists who are professionals in music, singing, dancing and social networking. Geisha are well respected in Japan and seen as safeguards to Japanese traditional art.

This Karuizawa 1977 cask #3584 was bottled for Taiwan.

Karuizawa 34 yo 1977 (64,1%, OB for Taiwan 2011, sherry butt #3584, 169 btl.)

A very brown colour – much less reddish than we’re used to see. Nose: huge notes of dried prunes and blackberry jam. Lots of different berries actually. Dark chocolate. Tobacco leaves and cigar boxes. Mint and eucalyptus, giving it quite a medicinal, almost ethereal profile. Burnt sugar. Cedar oak. Hints of oil paint. Also a pungency of balsamic vinegar or brandy. Fresh herbs.

Mouth: raisins and berries again. Big peppery notes and some tannins (grape skin). Again a clear earthy side. Complexity is a lot lower here, as if it closed down. Water makes it a little more fruity but still not particularly wide.

Finish: not too long, on oak and slightly bitter, leafy notes.

A heavyweight, high strength Karuizawa that’s very condensed as well, which makes it a little difficult to fully enjoy. Intriguing though, and a highly rewarding nose.

Score: 90/100