Ths Spirit of Asama is an incredible, legendary whisky from Japan's Karuizawa distillery. It is a vatting of 77 different sherry casks which were laid down in 1999 and 2000. The sherry character in the finished dram is just astounding, as is the almost rancio-like flavour on the palate. Just brilliant.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Almond and hazelnut, hints of pine resin and Christmas cake. A touch of morello cherry, boiled sweets and dessert wine, hints of spice, truffle and pine needles.
Incredibly rich palate entry with notes of sultanas and dark chocolate. Calves leather, soft smoke and overripe grape. Clove oil and nutmeg come late palate, as does the vaguest hints of rancio/truffles.
Forest floor, sweet sherry and gentle wood smoke. Leathery.
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Even for 80€, you can find better... So for this price...
Bought 10 years ago at 80 € ! Nothing special so at that price, Really a bad choice, only if you have money to spend.
I bought this when it first came out and was around £100 a bottle and was disappointed with it compared to the many Noh bottlings I have tried. This is only for those people who want to say they have had a Karuizawa. Otherwise you can get so much more for the price.
Purchased this on recommendation from one of the chaps at the London shop together with a a bottle of 1989 Girvan straight from the cask. This is indeed quite poor having come back to it after it sitting some time in my collection. The Girvan is very good however :)
I agree with the above post I'm affraid. I think I know what it is that you don't like on the nose; sulphur. My sample of this was packed with the stuff. One of the most sulphur tainted whiskies I've had I'm affraid. I suspect the reason they have released this batch of casks at this age for the vatting is because they are poor casks. Won't be buying, sorry.
