Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%/700ml

A exclusive bottling of whisky from Karuizawa for TWE, part of a vatting from about 77 casks and bottled at 55%. It's a different prospect to the various single casks that shoot off the shelves, offering a great tasting overview of the distillery's character unencumbered by decades of sherry-cask maturation.

• NOSE

  The same elements as the 48% version, but with more noticeable sweetness now and a bigger emphasis on the raisins. Big notes of polished oak. Gets earthier with time in the glass, with autumn leaves and faint notes of very dark chocolate. Even a cursory nosing reveals this to be a much more serious beast. After about 15 mins, the nose transmogrifies into something really special, with old medium-sweet sherry, ancient varnished benches, Black Forest gateau and a hint of balsamic vinegar.

• PALATE

  Pretty big and hot at full strength. Sweet and grapey / raisiny, then a very powerful oaky spice wave, then sweeter hints again, with the dark chocolate and hints of rich treacle – faintly resembles a cask strength navy rum in places. Finally the earthy, leafy, mossy character comes to the fore.

• FINISH

  Warm, savoury, dry and very long.