Karuizawa Geisha Miyako Odori 1999 – Cask #866

A hauntingly elegant release, the Karuizawa 1999 Geisha Miyako Odori from Cask #866 forms part of the fabled series inspired by Kyoto’s celebrated geisha spring dance. Distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2017, this single malt was matured in a single sherry cask during the twilight of the Karuizawa Distillery, which closed its doors in 2000. With only 453 bottles drawn, it stands as a fleeting relic of one of Japan’s most revered and lost distilleries.

The label features refined artwork honoring the Miyako Odori—Kyoto’s “Dance of the Capital”—an annual celebration of grace, poise, and cultural memory. This expression transcends its rarity, embodying the spirit of a nation’s artistry through the lens of liquid history.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Deep and poised. A powerful wave of dark cherries, cedarwood, and old sherry casks, wrapped in polished mahogany and temple incense. Delicate florals and dried orange peel appear in quiet harmony.

Palate: Dense and luxurious, with notes of spiced fig compote, molasses cake, and roasted chestnuts. Hints of soy glaze, sandalwood, and dried umeboshi add an umami-laced depth to the rich sherry character.

Finish: Lingering and meditative. Layers of cocoa nib, charred oak, and subtle clove drift into a final glow of antique leather and crimson fruit.

Karuizawa 1999 Geisha Miyako Odori – Cask #866 is more than a whisky—it is a liquid memory, captured at the crossroads of tradition, performance, and the irrevocable passage of time.