Distillery: Karuizawa Age: 1981 Vintage ABV: 60.3% Volume: 70cl Vintage: 1981 Condition: Sealed, unopened Karuizawa distillery, nestled at the foot of Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, operated from 1956 until its closure in 2000, becoming a legendary lost distillery. Renowned for its small-scale production, use of 100% Golden Promise barley, and maturation predominantly in sherry casks, it crafted whiskies of exceptional depth and character. Its limited remaining stock, fiercely sought after by connoisseurs and investors, has cemented its status as one of the most prestigious and collectible names in the world of whisky. Each release is now a rare glimpse into a bygone era of Japanese whisky craftsmanship. This Karuizawa 1981 Single Cask #6056 represents an incredibly rare and highly coveted bottling from the distillery's golden age. Likely matured in a single sherry cask, a hallmark of Karuizawa's most celebrated expressions, this whisky showcases the distillery's profound ability to produce rich, complex, and intensely flavoured spirits. Single cask releases, especially from specific vintage years like 1981, are particularly prized by collectors due to their unique character and finite availability, offering an unrepeatable experience directly from the barrel. Its high natural cask strength further enhances its appeal, promising an unadulterated and powerful tasting journey that epitomises Karuizawa's legendary status. Tasting Notes: Colour: Deep mahogany with crimson highlights. Nose: Rich and opulent with dark dried fruits, sticky dates, fig jam, old leather, polished antique wood, and hints of rancio, dark chocolate, and subtle pipe tobacco smoke. Palate: Intense and viscous, a powerful wave of black forest fruits, espresso, treacle, walnuts, and exotic spices, balanced by a profound sherry influence, dark marmalade, and a touch of roasted nuts. Finish: Exceptionally long and warming, with lingering notes of dark fruit cake, bitter chocolate, oak tannins, and a whisper of wood spice and aged tobacco.