Karuizawa 50 Year Old Aqua Of Life (White Version)
For whisky lovers, there are few things quite as exciting as the hunt for rare bottles from shuttered (but beloved) distilleries. When Karuizawa permanently closed its doors in 2011, Japanese whisky had not yet acquired the cult following and international respect it enjoys today. Karuizawa has taken on particular renown for the excellence of its product, which coupled with its rarity makes it all the more valuable.
Founded in 1955 near Mount Asama, Karuizawa Distillery was always a small operation, every drop of liquid it ever bottled was poured from just four small copper pot stills before resting in former sherry casks. Because of its geographic location, remarked to have the highest elevation compared to any of its Japanese competitors, it had a unique alchemy of low temperatures and high humidity that created distinct flavor profiles.
This particular Karuizawa 50 Year Old limited release is called “Water of Life” and is one of Karuizawa collector’s dream. This incredible whisky has been aged for half a century in single ex-Sherry cask #538. It was bottled at cask strength in 2019.
White version is limited just 347 bottles and complete with ink plate, brush, stamp and wooden box) seems astronomical, it smooths things over to know it’s a genuine piece of spirits history.
