Karuizawa Spirit of Asama (55%, OB, for Specialty Drinks, 2012) NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (85)

Colour: fuller gold.

Nose: the general profile is almost identical but I have the feeling that it’s the fruity side that’s now a notch louder, just a notch. A little more honey sauce as well, but it may all come from the higher ABV. Let’s try it with water (at approx 48%, very roughly): it’s the earthy side that comes out, but also more leather and even a slight feeling of vinegar. Well, the owners did a much better job at reducing this baby…

Mouth (neat): guess what, I think I liked the 46 or 48% versions better. I feel the higher strength makes it a little rough and a tad too eau-de-vie-ish. Water may help… With water: success this time, we’ve achieved to replicate the ‘48%’! Maybe there’s a little more mint, actually…

Finish: same as above, more or less. Comments: ha! Great stuff once again but I feel it’s easier and safer to go for the lighter ones, unless you want to spend your evenings toying with pipettes (yeah, or teaspoons, Ralfy) and various waters.

Words of Whisky (82)

BOW (87)