"Karuizawa Whisky:" Unveiling the Secrets and Characteristics of this Legendary Japanese Whisky Brand

"Karuizawa:" The story behind Japan's pioneering malt whisky

The malt whisky "Karuizawa" was first produced in 1976. Although domestic whisky had been produced and sold by other companies, "Karuizawa" was the pioneer in creating a 100 percent Japanese malt whisky made solely from malted barley. Whisky production began at the Karuizawa Distillery in 1956, and 20 years later, malt whisky "Karuizawa" was released. It was priced at JPY 15,000 a bottle, which was considered relatively expensive for whisky at the time. However, it's said that they sold 1,000 bottles in just one month.

Since then, the "Karuizawa" lineup expanded to include single malt whiskies produced solely from the distillery's own malt whisky. Beginning in the 2000s, "Karuizawa" whiskies started winning multiple awards in international competitions, which significantly raised the brand's profile worldwide.

The Karuizawa Distillery completely ceased operations in 2012

Despite achieving international acclaim, the Karuizawa Distillery ceased all operations in 2012, bringing an end to the production of new Karuizawa whiskies. The Karuizawa Distillery began operations in 1956 and, at its height, employed around 50 people working in three shifts.

Production declined in the late 1990s, leading to the distillery’s complete closure in 2000. A small number of employees continued to maintain the facilities and age the whisky, but due to factors such as mergers and acquisitions of the manufacturer, the decision was made to completely close the distillery. After the closure, only reusable equipment such as malt mills and stills were transported to other distilleries, and the Karuizawa Distillery was completely demolished.

The story of the Karuizawa Distillery and its final malt master

The last malt master, Osami Uchibori, was one of the employees who witnessed the final days of the Karuizawa Distillery. The malt master, who is responsible for selecting the precise blend of various single malts, is considered the ultimate authority in the blending process. Uchibori worked at the Karuizawa Distillery for about 50 years until its closure, gaining experience in distillation, cask selection, and bottling before being appointed as the malt master.

After becoming a malt master, Uchibori crafted whiskies using casks that had previously aged red wine. Even after the official cessation of production at the Karuizawa Distillery, he continued to hand-bottle products during the 2000s. He eventually came to create whiskies that would later command incredibly high prices at online auctions.

While it takes many years and a great deal of effort to age unblended whisky, the importance of this labor-intensive process is often overlooked. However, Uchibori is said to have devoted himself to crafting whisky with the care and attention it deserves, infusing each bottle with passion.

The price surge mystery: What happened after the closure?

Despite ceasing official production in 2000, "Karuizawa" continued to garner international acclaim, winning multiple awards throughout the 2000s. Since the distillery's closure in 2012, no official products from the distillery have been released. However, casks of unblended whisky that were put up for sale around the time of the distillery’s closure are occasionally bottled and sold.

Products bottled from a limited number of special casks, renowned for their exceptional quality and long aging period, have gained additional rarity. They have become known as highly valuable brands, with some even fetching record-high prices at auctions.

Products offered by the legendary Karuizawa Whisky Distillery

"Karuizawa" is known for its single malt whiskies, such as Karuizawa Aged 15 Years and Karuizawa Aged 17 Years, which are crafted from the distillery's unblended whiskies. Additionally, Karuizawa 12 Years Pure Malt Whisky, a refined blend of these unblended whiskies, and Karuizawa Master's Blend, Aged 10 Years, created by a malt master using whiskies aged over 10 years, have received recognition in international competitions.

In addition, whiskies such as Karuizawa "Aqua of Life" 50 Years and Karuizawa 23 Years Old Noh Cask are still sold at high prices in auctions and online marketplaces. Nowadays, "Karuizawa" has become so notable that it makes headlines when several bottles are auctioned together.

Get your hands on Mars Karuizawa Club when visiting Karuizawa

While "Karuizawa" whisky, distilled at the Karuizawa Distillery, has become a hard-to-find rarity, if you're visiting the Karuizawa area and would like to try a whisky made there, you should look for Mars Karuizawa Club.

It’s a private label whisky produced exclusively for the local liquor chain Sake no Super Takagi, at the Mars Komagatake Distillery in Nagano Prefecture. Since it's sold exclusively in this prefecture, it's difficult to obtain in other regions, but the price is more affordable compared to "Karuizawa."

Mars Karuizawa Club is a blended whisky made by combining malt whisky, which is crafted from malted barley, and grain whisky, which is made from grains. It has a woody aroma characteristic of barrel aging and the floral notes of malt whisky. As Sake no Super Takagi is a supermarket chain operating within Nagano Prefecture, you might be able to find Mars Karuizawa Club even outside of the Karuizawa area.

The Mars Komagatake Distillery was established in the quest for the perfect location

Hombo Shuzo, which has been producing Japanese distilled spirits and shochu in Kagoshima Prefecture, has opened the Mars Komagatake Distillery, where Mars Karuizawa Club is produced at the foot of Mount Komagatake in Nagano Prefecture. The climate around the Mars Komagatake Distillery, located at an altitude of about 800 meters, is cold and ideal for whisky production due to its humidity and water quality.

Just like the Karuizawa Distillery, the Mars Komagatake Distillery has actually suspended distillation in the past due to amendments to the liquor tax law and a decline in whisky demand. However, after overcoming these difficulties and resuming distillation, it went on to win the world's highest award at an international competition. In addition to Mars Karuizawa Club, Mars Komagatake Distillery also produces whisky, wine, and umeshu (plum wine.)

The Mars Komagatake Distillery offers tours of its whisky-making facilities, including the distillation equipment and storage facilities. Besides whisky tastings, you can find unique souvenirs like distillery-exclusive Mars whisky, wines, and other Nagano specialties, so it's a good idea to stop by when you're there for sightseeing.

Mars Komagatake Distillery
Address: 4752-31 Miyada-mura, Kamiina-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 8-min drive from Otagiri Station (JR Iida Line)
Official website: https://www.hombo.co.jp/visiting/komagatake/ (official website)

Discover other Japanese whiskies

While "Karuizawa," a whisky often referred to as the "phantom whisky," is now hard to get your hands on, there are plenty of other Japanese whiskies to discover. Head to WAmazing Shop and buy a large variety of Japanese whiskies tax-free. You can easily collect your order from special lockers at designated airports across Japan, as well as major train stations, and other locations.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.