There are few names in whisky that carry the weight of Karuizawa. The distillery, shuttered in 2000 and dismantled in 2016, has become one of the most sought-after closed distilleries in the world — and for good reason. Every remaining bottle is a finite piece of Japanese whisky history, and with each passing year, the supply dwindles further. This particular expression, the Artist #13 from the Spirits Shop Selection bottled for La Maison du Whisky, is drawn from a 1999 vintage — one of the final years of production. At 19 years old and bottled at a commanding 60% ABV, it represents Karuizawa at full volume, uncompromised and unapologetic.
I should be transparent: at £4,000, this is not a casual recommendation. This is a bottle that sits at the intersection of whisky and collecting, where the liquid inside must justify not only its flavour but its place in a rapidly appreciating market. The Artist series, with its striking label artwork, has become iconic among Japanese whisky collectors. Number 13 in that series, selected specifically for LMDW — one of Europe's most respected independent retailers — carries an additional layer of curatorial credibility. Someone with a sharp palate chose this cask, and the decision to bottle at cask strength rather than diluting down tells you they believed the spirit could handle it.
What to Expect
Karuizawa's house character is often described in terms of its sherry cask influence — the distillery was known for maturing almost exclusively in sherry wood, producing whiskies of considerable depth and richness. A 19-year-old single malt at 60% ABV from this distillery is likely to deliver serious intensity. This is not a whisky that whispers. Expect concentration, weight, and the kind of layered complexity that rewards patience. The cask strength bottling means you are tasting something very close to what sat in the warehouse — raw, uncut, and full of character.
The 1999 vintage places this among the very last distillations before Karuizawa fell silent. There is something poignant about that, though I would caution against letting sentiment alone drive a purchase at this price point. The liquid must stand on its own merits, and at 19 years in cask with that ABV, the oak interaction will have been significant without overwhelming the spirit entirely. This is a whisky that had time to develop but was pulled before the wood could dominate — a decision I respect.
The Verdict
I give this an 8.5 out of 10. The combination of provenance, cask strength bottling, and the careful curation of the LMDW selection elevates this beyond a simple collectible. It is a serious single malt from a distillery that no longer exists, bottled without compromise at full cask strength. The price is formidable, yes, but within the context of the Karuizawa market — where certain vintages now trade for five figures — this sits in a space that still offers genuine drinking value alongside its investment appeal. If you have the means and the inclination, this is a piece of whisky history that you can actually open and enjoy. And I would encourage you to do exactly that.
Best Served
Neat, in a tulip-shaped nosing glass, with plenty of time. At 60% ABV, a few drops of still water — added gradually — will open this up considerably. Do not rush it. Pour, wait five minutes, then approach. Add water in stages and observe how the character shifts. A whisky of this calibre and strength deserves an unhurried evening and your full attention. No ice, no mixers. This is not a Highball candidate. This is a whisky you sit with.
