Karuizawa

In July 1976, a small distillery in the spa town of the same name east of Tokyo made Japanese whisky history: Karuizawa launched the very first Japanese single malt onto the market - eight years before Suntory and Nikka followed with their own single malts in 1984. Founded in 1955, Karuizawa remained Japan's smallest distillery throughout its existence and produced correspondingly tiny volumes. Operations ceased for good in 2001, and in 2016 the buildings were finally demolished by owner Kirin Brewing - extinguishing any hope of a revival. Precisely this combination of extreme scarcity and pioneering history posthumously made Karuizawa the world's most expensive Japanese whisky brand: in March 2020, Sotheby's auctioned a single 52-year-old bottle for the equivalent of around £363,000.

Was Karuizawa really before Suntory and Nikka?

Yes - the first Karuizawa single malt appeared as early as 1976, while the major houses Suntory and Nikka didn't launch their own single malts until 1984.

Why was a single bottle auctioned for £363,000?

The combination of Karuizawa's tiny production capacity, its 2001 closure and final demolition in 2016 made every remaining bottle an irreplaceable one-of-a-kind - collectors pay astronomical sums accordingly.

Flavour profile

Taste: Intensely sherry-driven with dark fruit, raisins and an extraordinary complexity built up over decades of maturation.

Recommended enjoyment: An icon for collectors and investors - ordinary tasting is practically out of the question at the prices achieved.

Facts and figures

Founded 1955, first single malt 1976 - Japan's very first. Closed 2001, demolished 2016 (Kirin Brewing). Record sale: 52-year-old bottle for around £363,000 at Sotheby's, March 2020.