Karuizawa 1981 31 Y.O. 'Noh' cask 155 (bot. 2013)

sample from a friend

Nose: Ah yes, this is the stuff. Rich, typical Karuizawa. Plums, dates, dense millionare bread, cherries (bitter and sour), and varnished leather belt. Molasses and pressed orange zest, figs marinading in aged cognac. Some ginger. The sherry here is just a light touch of smoke and cocoa. Turkish coffee grounds leftover. Fabulously decadent, deep, and still precise. Spanish brandy essence and darjeeling tea leaves. (with water) Water heightens the relief, drawing the leather, coffee, and cocoa out further. The fruit gives way to more spice and vanilla creme. Still full of dates, dry fig skins, and stale (nice) dry apple skins.

Palate: Lighter and silkier on the palate than I'd have anticipated. More old and bitter red and purple fruit jam and dates, quickly turning to leather coated with coffee and baking cocoa flecks. Lightly bitter and oak caramel. Cherry, skin of ginger root. Vanilla and cola, too. (with water) Nice and rather bitter coffee with some sweetened dark chocolate. Water dissipates it, with a drop of sea-sugar to the front. Spicy ginger, thin molasses with water honey.

Finish: Especially with water, this really lasts on leather, coffee, old furniture, and varnished leather, a hint of salt, and thin caramel molasses. Just a dollop of fruit. Really a great Karuizawa, fairly typical of the age and vintage. The nose, especially neat, is the best. Maybe could use a bit more oomph on the palate.

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