Shizuoka 2019 Ex-Karuizawa Toyota 2000GT Japanese Automotive Icons Bottled with Kinvelle Trading

Distillery Bottling

Distilled: 2019

Bottled: 2023

Distillation: ex-Karuizawa spirit still

Aging: 3 years old

Bottles: 213

Cask: 1st fill ex-bourbon

ABV: 59,4%

Volume: 700 ml

Bottling info:

In 2017, Gaia Flow, the renowned importer of brands such as Blackladder, Swedish Mackmyra, and Asta Morris, embarked on an exciting venture - the establishment of the Shizuoka distillery. Gaia Flow acquired the distilling equipment from the legendary Karuizawa distillery, which had been dismantled in 2011. This remarkable development sparked a wave of anticipation among whisky enthusiasts, hopeful that these iconic stills would once again create extraordinary spirits. This whisky edition from Shizuoka distillery is a testament to this legacy, distilled using the ex-Karuizawa spirit still and matured in first-fill bourbon casks. This particular bottling also pays homage to the Japanese philosophy of perfection, while simultaneously honoring the renowned Toyota 2000GT, an iconic Japanese sports car. Cheers to the revival of greatness!

Tasting note:

On the nose, you get prominent notes of green apple peel, marzipan, chinsuko cookies and lemon-drizzled apple pieces. After a while, notes suggestive of pear sorbet, maraschino cherry, pine resin and even a hint of pain relief spray appear. 

The palate is fresh but with a creamy mouthfeel. The key notes are Danish pastries, key lime pie, soft fruit candy, stem gingerand rhubarb jam.

The finish is long and lingering with an intense chili pepper top note, and underneath, hints of caramel mousse and pear syrup.

An excellent cask that shows a level of maturity you wouldn’t expect of a whisky just shy of 4 years.

Stefan Van Eycken