Karuizawa Geisha Miyako Odori 1999, #2380

A rare and profoundly expressive release, the 1999 Karuizawa Geisha Miyako Odori from Cask #2380 stands among the final treasures from the revered Karuizawa Distillery. Distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2018, this single sherry cask yielded just 429 bottles, capturing the artistry and complexity that define Karuizawa’s legendary legacy. With the distillery shuttered in 2000, each bottle is a testament to a lost era in Japanese whisky.

The label, echoing the grace of the Miyako Odori—Kyoto’s timeless geisha spring dance—merges cultural elegance with the profound depth of single cask maturation. It is a liquid homage to Japan’s aesthetic traditions and the fleeting beauty they represent.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Deep and aromatic. Notes of black cherries, cedar, and dried plum unfold with incense, sandalwood, and antique book leather. Hints of dark soy and umeboshi lend umami complexity.

Palate: Rich and textural. Layers of spiced fruitcake, molasses, and chestnut purée build into a crescendo of tobacco, tamari, and roasted walnut. The sherry cask influence is bold, yet balanced by an undercurrent of dried citrus.

Finish: Long, warm, and resonant. Echoes of bitter chocolate, clove, and charred oak linger with delicate floral traces and a final touch of crimson fruit.

1999 Karuizawa Geisha Miyako Odori – Cask #2380 is more than a bottle—it is a moment suspended in time, where craftsmanship, culture, and rarity converge in one of Japanese whisky’s most enduring legacies.