Karuizawa 32 years old, 1981-2013, Selected by LMDW, "en soi", Ex-Bourbon Cask No. 8461, 57.3% abv.

This is part of a 4 bottle set by La Maison du Whisky with the label art by artist Yuuka Yamada of Osaka, but moved to Paris, France. The bartender is friends with the artist and has many of her works in his bar. Unfortunately, I think I might have angered and/or irritated the bartender with my rudeness so late at night.

Nose: vanilla, toast, slight honey, backend black cherries.

Palate: medium body, initially there is wood and fruit juice, afterwards it's mostly wood, back palate has a sharp wood and fruit juice influence, no smoke.

Finish: medium, spicey, wood, slightly smoked meats but without salt or seasoning.

The flavor profile on this Zawa doesn't change much, stays within the bounds of wood and fruit juice. Just plain wood and boring fruit juice. These Zawa bourbon casks are a little weird in my opinion. I find out the hard way (two shots) that time seems to degrade all flavor aspects. Not a good Zawa.

Grade: C+

Whiskyfun.com, Serge, sgp:471, 86 points

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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