Thursday, October 31, 2013

Karuizawa Asama 1999-2000 Vintages 50.5%abv


Nose: Very one dimensional initially in my opinion however, it opens up well after cracking the bottle. With patience and oxidization it becomes delightful enough with a combination of mellow sweet and savory elements. Striking red and mellow black licorice along with strawberry walnut spice cake are at the forefront of sweetness. Time in the glass reveals a traditional Turkish Delight and fino sherry before moving onto stewed mountain mushrooms, Gravox (gravy) powder, and yeast. In the background there are whiffs of Mugi (barley) Sochu and sun scorched newspapers. Very musty at times. Water gives it a pomegranate like quality and brings out reminiscent mellow rubber before tickling your nose with fig bread and sour/tarty aromas.

Taste: Spicy rose jelly, Gravox (gravy) powder, fino sherry, and peppered raw button mushrooms. Water introduces characteristics of singed rubber that I often find in most Karuizawa. An interesting but weak chocolate mocha espresso becomes present before moving onto sugared fresh yellow grapefruit and mellow red and black licorice. Metallic.

Finish: Medium with mellow licorice, yeast, sugared fresh grapefruit, and interestingly Pocari Sweat sports drink.

Comment: Priced accordingly, I wouldn't want to pay anymore for it. The value for money is there (as it is priced within reason) but unfortunately for me it just didn't have the X factor on the palate.

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