Dekantā to sell Karuizawa Koinobori whisky sets

Online retailer Dekantā will sell 30 sets of a limited edition single malt whisky in three designs from silent Japanese distillery Karuizawa, priced at US$13,000.

Each bottle in the Karuizawa 1999-2000 ‘Koinobori’ Series comes with a Japanese symbol that means good fortune

The three-bottle Karuizawa 1999-2000 ‘Koinobori’ Series will go on sale on a first come, first served basis. The Karuizawa distillery stopped production in 2000, with demand for its remaining stock increasing dramatically, according to Dekantā.

The single malt has been made from a range of vintage whiskies distilled at the site from 1999 to 2000. It is said to have a “complex flavour profile” to present Karuizawa’s classic taste as the result of various cask types and maturities.

“The flavour profile on this whisky is one of the most complex found among Karuizawa expressions,” said Dekantā founder and director Makiyo Masa.

Each bottle has an ABV of 60.7% and carries a design depicting the koinobori carp, a Japanese symbol that means good fortune.

The 30 sets come in three designs: a black koinobori to symbolise the father, a red koinobori to resemble the mother and a small koinobori in violet, blue or green to represent the children.

Traditional Japanese culture associates the koinobori symbol with family. During notable festivals in the country, the emblem can be seen on the outside of houses to bring good fortune, health and strength.

Masa added: “We feel that the beautiful koinobori design, a potent symbol of family and good fortune here in Japan, is a fitting palace to house the fine whisky within.”

Consumers can visit the Dekantā website to reserve a set from 9am EST tomorrow (10 December) for US$12,999. Bottles will be delivered by the end of April 2020.