Karuizawa Original Bottling by Mercian 17 Years Old 100% Malt Whisky in Decanter

Region: Japan

Distillery: Karuizawa (Closed)

Age: 17 Years Old

ABV: 40%

Cask: European Oak Sherry Casks

Size: 700 ml

This Karuizawa 17 Years Old Whisky from the legendary Japanese Karuizawa distillery which ceased production in 2000 comes in a Crystal Decanter and bottled at a very enjoyable 40% ABV (in contrast to the usual cask strength bottlings that were released subsequently). The whisky reportedly includes both peated and unpeated whiskies, aged between 17 and 30 years and is an original bottling by Mercian.

Please note that this is an old bottling and the box has some creases/wear and tear but the bottle and seal are in good condition. Sold in "As Is" Condition.

Karuizawa was a small distillery located at an idyllic spot, the slopes of the active volcano Mount Asama in Nagano prefecture of Japan. Originally founded in 1955 by Daikoku Budoshu, a large wine and spirits producer the goal was to create malt whisky for the company’s blends, bottled under the name Ocean. The distillery was very small and used 100% Golden Promise imported barley, wooden washbacks, small stills and sherry casks sourced from Spain. In 1977 the company changed its course and name from Karuizawa Factory to Ocean Karuizawa Distillery and started to release single malts as well. Karuizawa bottlings never made an appearance on the international market during this period, and the distillery was mothballed in 2000. 

In 2006, the distillery’s owner – now called Mercian – was acquired by drinks giant Kirin and in 2011 Karuizawa’s distilling licence was returned. By March 2016, the distillery was scrapped and razed to the ground.

The first independent bottlings of Karuizawa started to appear in 2007 by Number One Drinks Co (which finally bought the remaining casks in 2011 from Kirin) and today the legendary single malt is highly sought after by whisky lovers and collectors alike.