Karuizawa 35 Years Old 1981 Battle of Kawanakajima Set Cask Nr.226 & 7922

Description

The Karuizawa 35 Years Old 1981 Battle of Kawanakajima Set is widely regarded as one of the most legendary and sought-after Japanese whisky releases ever created. Distilled in 1981 at the now-closed Karuizawa Distillery and bottled in 2016 after 35 years of maturation, this extraordinary release represents the perfect fusion of Japanese history, art and whisky craftsmanship. The set consists of two single cask bottlings – Cask No. 226 and Cask No. 7922 – both matured in Spanish sherry casks and bottled at natural cask strength. With only approximately 100 to 228 bottles released from each cask, this edition stands among the rarest Karuizawa bottlings ever produced. Following the closure of the distillery in 2000, remaining stocks became finite, elevating Karuizawa to cult status among collectors worldwide. The presentation is equally remarkable, featuring labels and velvet-lined wooden cases adorned with artwork by the legendary ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige, depicting the famous Battle of Kawanakajima between the feudal warlords Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. Whiskies from this era of Karuizawa are renowned for their intense sherry influence, dark fruits, antique oak, rich spices and extraordinary depth. The Battle of Kawanakajima Set is considered one of the most iconic Karuizawa releases ever produced and remains a true centerpiece for elite collectors of Japanese whisky.