Karuizawa 1974

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 56 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Spirity. Waves of liquorice. Freshly squeezed oak juice? Hint of candied chestnut purée. Palate Bittersweet. Very oaky. Spicy. A touch of coffee toffee. But alcohol harshness makes the tastebuds incomfortable. And water releases more bitterness. Finish Dry, bitter, oaky. Comment Can’t see the point in offering so an unbalanced oaky profile. It is whisky we want to enjoy, not a wood infusion.

Dave Broom Nose Very savoury with high intensity thanks to the alcohol. Old chocolate, tomato ketchup, wood varnish, raisin and prune, roast chestnut. Palate decent mid-palate sweetness. Liquorice water, dandelion and burdock, pot pourri. Finish Fades quickly. Comment Just old and by now lacking balance.