Karuizawa 1980/2013 – 33 yo Single Malt | “Pourquoi faut-il?” Series

A legendary single cask from Japan’s most iconic closed distillery, bottled exclusively for La Maison du Whisky.

Distilled in March 1980 and matured for 33 years in a sherry butt, this Karuizawa was drawn from Cask #4556 and bottled in July 2013 at a natural cask strength of 60.3%. Only 225 bottles were ever released, making it one of the rarest expressions from this fabled distillery.

Part of the “Pourquoi faut-il?” series, this bottling exemplifies Karuizawa’s signature style – an intense, sherry-driven profile layered with dark fruits, rich oak, spice, and remarkable depth. An exceptional collector’s piece and a true glimpse into the golden age of Japanese whisky.

Specifications

Type: Single Malt
Distillery: Karuizawa
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Series: Pourquoi faut-il?
Vintage: 03.1980
Bottled: 07.2013
Age: 33 years
Cask Type: Sherry Butt
Cask Number: 4556
Outturn: 225 bottles
Strength: 60.3% ABV
Size: 700 ml
Bottled for: La Maison du Whisky

About the Distillery

Founded in 1955 at the foot of Mount Asama, Karuizawa became legendary for producing intensely sherried single malts of exceptional character, crafted in small quantities with traditional methods. The distillery closed in 2000, and its remaining casks have since become some of the most sought-after and collectible whiskies in the world. Today, each bottle stands as a rare artifact of Japanese whisky history - prized for its power, elegance, and unmatched rarity.