Karuizawa 1980 Golden Samurai

 Karuizawa 1980 Golden Samurai is a highly sought-after whisky, distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2015. It features a rich flavor profile with notes of dark fruits, leather, and smoke, and is often showcased at prestigious whisky events, making it a prized collectible.

Overview of Karuizawa  Golden Samurai

• Distillery: Karuizawa
• Year of Distillation: 1980
• Bottling Year: 2015
• Rarity: Limited release, contributing to its cult status among collectors

Flavor Profile

• Nose:

  • Classic Karuizawa characteristics
  • Dark, earthy notes with old dried raisins
  • Dusty wood, leather, and cold smoke
  • Floral and citrus notes develop with aeration
  • Hints of sherry, camphor, and sulfur

• Taste:

  • Immediate flavors of leather and dark raisins
  • Fruity old sherry and exotic spices
  • A caressing mouthfeel with smoky undertones
  • Old polished wood and dusty chocolate notes

• Finish:

  • Long and complex
  • Evokes the atmosphere of an old Japanese temple
  • Earthy and slightly bitter wood notes
  • Unique aftertaste reminiscent of dried apple peel and temple oils

Market and Collectibility

• Current Price: Approximately €13,147.25 at The Whisky.SG
• Average Rating: 92.18 points from user reviews
• Cult Status: Due to its limited availability and high quality, it is highly coveted by whisky collectors

Historical Context

• Distillery Background:

  • Established in 1955, Karuizawa was known for its traditional Scottish distillation methods combined with Japanese influences.
  • The distillery was mothballed in 2000 and officially closed in 2011, leading to the rarity of its products.

• Legacy:

  • Karuizawa whiskies, especially older vintages like the 1980 Golden Samurai, have gained significant appreciation in the whisky community, making them some of the most desirable bottles on the market.