Bottle Information
Bottler: Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Cask: #132.4
Cask Type: refill sherry butt
Type: Japanese Single Malt
Tasting Notes
Nose Rich and brooding with aromas of dried dates, polished mahogany, incense, and hints of black cherry and damp earth.
Palate Deep and layered, offering flavours of dark chocolate, fig jam, cigar box, and black tea, underpinned by a firm oak spice.
Finish Long and warming with lingering notes of burnt orange peel, old leather, and dry sherry tannins.
Karuizawa 17 Year Old 1996 SMWS 132.4 (2013) is an exceptional Japanese single malt whisky from the legendary Karuizawa Distillery, distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2013 by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Drawn from a single refill butt, cask #132.4, this 17-year-old expression showcases the deep, sherried intensity and complex elegance for which Karuizawa is renowned. A limited release of just 346 bottles, making it a highly sought-after collectible.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
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Rare release from the closed Karuizawa Distillery
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Aged 17 years in a refill sherry butt
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Bottled by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (Cask #132.4)
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Only 346 bottles—a prized collector’s item
An evocative dram from one of Japan’s most revered silent distilleries.
Approved by
The Distillery
Karuizawa
Karuizawa Distillery, originally established in 1956 northwest of Tokyo, Japan, was perched at 850m on the foothills of the active Mount Asama, utilizing pristine mountain water. The original distillery closed in 2001 and was demolished in 2016, but the Karuizawa name gained international acclaim, earning numerous awards and becoming one of the most valuable whiskies globally. In 2022, a new distillery opened in the town of Karuizawa, revitalizing the brand by producing exceptional Japanese whisky. Today, Karuizawa Distillery continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts worldwide with its prestigious legacy and outstanding spirits.
View all Karuizawa whiskies
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