Karuizawa Geisha Miyako Odori 1999 – Cask #864

A sublime and deeply expressive release, the Karuizawa 1999 Geisha Miyako Odori from Cask #864 is part of a revered series celebrating Kyoto’s iconic geisha spring dance. Distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2017, this sherry-cask matured single malt is one of only 440 bottles, drawn from a single cask during the final years of the legendary Karuizawa Distillery. With the distillery’s closure in 2000, each remaining cask represents a vanishing chapter of Japanese whisky history—one steeped in tradition, beauty, and precision.

The label’s elegant artwork evokes the grace of the Miyako Odori, a seasonal performance steeped in centuries of Japanese cultural heritage. This release encapsulates not only the rare character of Karuizawa whisky but also a tribute to the aesthetics and symbolism of Japan’s most refined artistry.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Intense sherry depth with layers of dried dark fruits, polished leather, incense smoke, and a whisper of antique oak. A refined sweetness of black cherries and cocoa emerges with time.

Palate: Opulent and full-bodied, revealing rich fruitcake, burnt orange peel, and spice-laden molasses. Notes of plum, roasted walnuts, and earthy rancio build a beautifully balanced complexity.

Finish: Long and commanding, with lingering touches of dark chocolate, clove, and charred oak.

Karuizawa 1999 Geisha Miyako Odori is more than a whisky—it is an artistic relic from one of Japan’s most elusive distilleries. Bottled heritage, captured in a singular moment of elegance and cultural reverence.