A vatting of about 70 casks bottled at two different strengths
1 – 48%
My Tasting Notes:
Colour: Bright amber
Nose: Raisins, a whiff of spring flowers, vanilla, toffee, ginger, nutmeg, just a tiny hint of rubber.
Palate: Raisins, sweet melon, vanilla fudge, candied ginger, nutmeg, white pepper, a little bit of smoke.
Finish: Long, fruity and slightly spicy.
Overall: Definitely not a sherry monster like many of the single cask Karuizawas, this lovely dram highlights the light and elegant side of the distillery.
Rating: 86/100 – Price Tag $$$$$ – Value for your Money $$$$$
Buy Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% at The Whisky Exchange
2 – 55%
My Tasting Notes:
Colour: Bright amber
Nose: Slightly more intense than the 48% version, as could be expected, a little more toffee and raisins, a little less rubber
Palate: Much more intense than the 48% version, especially the fruity notes are enhanced, the smoke is almost gone.
Finish: Very long, fruity and slightly dry.
Overall: The higher bottling strength really pays off here. With a splash of water it is utterly delicious.
Rating: 88/100 – Price Tag $$$$$ – Value for your Money $$$$$
Buy Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% at The Whisky Exchange
Comment: This is a rare opportunity to taste the same vatting at two different strengths, worth a big round of applause.
Review samples provided by The Whisky Exchange
