dekantā has released 30 sets of limited-edition Japanese single malt, distilled at the closed Karuizawa distillery in Japan.
The Japanese spirits e-commerce site is offering consumers to own this rare whisky, distilled at the turn of the century, just before the distillery closed. Since the Karuizawa distillery ceased production in 2000, demand for its remaining stock has increased dramatically, along with demand for Japanese whisky in general. The limited stock of Karuizawa whisky that remains is usually sold via auction or ballot.
Each of the bottles in the Karuizawa 1999-2000 ‘Koinobori’ Series carries a limited edition design depicting the Koinobori carp, a potent symbol in Japan of good fortune. Traditional Japanese culture associates the Koinobori with the family: The black Koinobori symbolises the father; the red is a symbol of the mother; and the small Koinobori in violet, blue or green are symbolic of the children. During some of the country’s most prominent festivals, Koinobori will be seen on the outside of houses in Japan, in honour of the family, to bring good fortune, health and strength. There are 30 sets available of each of the three designs.
The Japanese single malt in these bottles has been crafted from a range of vintage whiskies distilled throughout 1999 and 2000. Various cask types and maturities were selected with the aim of creating a complex flavor profile representing Karuizawa’s archetypal taste. “The flavour profile on this whisky is one of the most complex found among Karuizawa expressions,” said dekantā Founder and Director Makiyo Masa. “We feel that the beautiful Koinobori design, a potent symbol of family and good fortune here in Japan, is a fitting palace to house the fine whisky within.”
In February 2018, dekantā’s ballot for a series of Karuizawa whiskies, inspired by cities of Japan, attracted over 3,500 entries for just 150 bottles. “The success of our previous ballots has been indicative of the huge demand and enthusiasm for liquid from the silent Japanese distillery,” said Makiyo Masa. “I’m delighted that, for the first time, we will be offering expressions from Karuizawa for online purchase , rather than a ballot or auction, to give more whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to own one of these stunning bottles.”
For those who order, bottles will be delivered by the end of April 2020.
