Professional reviews
Serge Valentin (95)
A cask that’s been shared between these two famous high-end whisky retailers that are Paris’ LMdW and London’s TWE.
Colour: dark amber.
Nose: this oldie is much more ‘tertiary’ than the 1972 when neat, much more on old leather, precious wood, dry sherry, pipe tobacco, Cuban cigars (in truth, a whole humidor), cedar wood, cough syrup, plum jam, very old Armagnac, a little tar, even whiffs of engine oil… What an amazing complexity! With water: it’s got everything an old sherried wonder can have. Spectacular whiffs of aniseed and dill, a little more beefy notes, absolutely no sulphur whatsoever. Enough said.
Mouth (neat): unexpectedly nervous, with a big but beautiful oakiness (typical notes of pine resin than one can find in very, very old whiskies), a lot of walnut liqueur, bitter chocolate, cherry stem tea, chewing tobacco, heavy liquorice, prunes, green tea from the oak, blackcurrant leaves tea… With water: I’m speechless. One of these very old pu-erh teas (yes, I know pu-erh is Chinese, not Japanese).
Finish: very long, superbly dry (coffee) and spicy (cloves) as well as beautifully raisiny. Some menthol.
Comments: once again, this baby reminds me of some old Springbanks. Say of the best sherried ‘Local Barleys’, if that rings a bell to you. A Japanese masterpiece but the 1972 was close!
Words of Whisky (94)
Whiskyfun 20th Anniversary tasting:
A shared bottling between TWE and LMDW, commonly lauded as one of, if not the greatest Karuizawa ever bottled… Colour: deep amber. Nose: what really strikes me is that this is like nosing the most stunning, long aged Armagnac you can imagine. Layers and layers of dried herbs, incense, roots and medicinal ointments. A profile which speaks of hotter climate maturation but it the most sublime way. With some time there's also coconut, mead, plum wine and even some very distant trails of the most elegant peat smoke. One of these whiskies that keeps going and going, endless resins, wood spices, crystallised fruits and delicate medicinal aspects.
Now leaf mulch, damp cellar earths and wild mushrooms. With water: sweeter and more mentholated, fruit liqueurs and syrups which give this feeling of elevated concentration and texture. Mouth: as with so many of these legendary whiskies, the word cohesion is what I often come back to. This feels like a cohesive whole, there's endless tiny flavours popping out, but it feels like a beautiful and singular spirit when you taste it. With water: becomes more powerful now, water seems to draw out more overt and punchy flavours of black pepper, pu erh tea, wormwood and camphor. Many complex medicinal and herbal flavours with mint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil. Finish: another one that's wonderfully long, resinous, herbal and back on exotic wood spices, incense, paprika and cedar wood. Quite exquisite! Comments: what I love most are these flavours of incense and medicines and the way it makes you think of very old Armagnacs, which in turn makes you think of some tropically aged rums. Another great whisky that reminds me of all the shared DNA in the great spirits of the world.
BOW (95)
Karuizawa 1967 Vintage Single Cask 6426: A Timeless Whisky Gem
Karuizawa, the now legendary closed distillery in Japan, has become synonymous with exceptional and highly sought-after whiskies. Among its rarest releases is the Karuizawa 1967 Vintage Single Cask 6426, a true gem in the world of whisky connoisseurs. Bottled by La Maison du Whisky, this expression captures the essence of Karuizawa's craftsmanship and showcases the distillery's rich history.
Distilled in 1967 and aged for over four decades, this whisky embodies the epitome of time and patience. It was then carefully bottled on August 17, 2009, preserving the remarkable flavors and character developed over its lengthy maturation period. Encased in a luxurious presentation box, it is worth noting that there is a small dent on the box flap, which adds a touch of authenticity and tells the story of its journey.
The Karuizawa 1967 Vintage Single Cask 6426 showcases the expertise of the distillery in crafting exceptional whiskies. With a robust alcohol content of 58.4%, this expression packs a punch in both flavor and intensity. It is a whisky that demands attention and rewards those who take the time to explore its depths.
As you pour a dram of this liquid treasure, you are immediately captivated by its rich amber hue and the enchanting aromas that emanate from the glass. The nose reveals a symphony of indulgent notes, including dried fruits, dark chocolate, leather, and a hint of tobacco. Each inhalation transports you to a world of opulence and refinement.
On the palate, the Karuizawa 1967 Vintage Single Cask 6426 unfolds with grace and complexity. The velvety texture coats the tongue, revealing layers of flavors that dance harmoniously. Decadent dark fruits, spices, oak, and a subtle hint of peat interplay, creating a sensory experience that is both sophisticated and memorable.
The finish is long and lingering, leaving a trail of warmth and elegance. The flavors gradually fade, but the memory of this exceptional whisky lingers, inviting you to savor the moment and reflect on its remarkable journey from distillery to glass.
Although there is a small dent on the box flap, it in no way diminishes the magnificence of the Karuizawa 1967 Vintage Single Cask 6426. In fact, it adds a touch of character and authenticity to this rare find. Each bottle is sold as described, ensuring that whisky enthusiasts and collectors can appreciate its uniqueness and treasure it as a prized possession.
The Karuizawa 1967 Vintage Single Cask 6426 is a testament to the artistry and dedication of La Maison du Whisky in curating exceptional whiskies. Its limited availability and legendary status make it a highly coveted collector's item among whisky aficionados around the world. Whether you choose to enjoy it on special occasions or add it to your prestigious collection, this Karuizawa expression is a true symbol of timeless excellence.
