TWE to host £6,000 rare Japanese whisky tasting

TWE Whisky Show is to host a £6,000 rare Japanese whisky tasting – thought to be one of the most expensive in the world – in aid of the redevelopment of Nepal.

The event is thought to be one of the most expensive whisky tastings ever staged

Renowned spirits writer Dave Broom will host the tasting of five rare Karuizawa whiskies at London’s Old Billingsgate on Saturday 3 October.

As part of the tasting, one of the most expensive ever staged in the world, each guest will receive a 70cl bottle of Karuizawa 1983, the fifth and final whisky in the tasting of which only 50 have been specially created for the event.

Other whiskies included in the tasting will be: Karuizawa 1981 Sherry Cask #6056, Karuizawa 29 Year Old Bourbon Cask #8897, Karuizawa 30 Year Old Sherry Cask #5347 and Karuizawa 1970 42 Year Old Cask #6177.

All proceeds from the tasting will go to charities in support of the redevelopment of Nepal after a devastating earthquake hit the country earlier this year.

Those wishing to take part will be entered into a ballot and selected at random.

Karuizawa Distillery was mothballed in 2001 and there are now fewer than 50 casks of aged, vintage stock created at the site – meaning Karuizawa bottles are highly prized among collectors.

In 2013, Number One Drinks Co released 41 bottles of £12,500 Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627, at the time the “world’s oldest and rarest Japanese whisky”.