The School of Malt is a series of whiskies selected by whisky critic Dave Broom and bottled for Whisky-E, another Japan-based importer / distributor. Prior to this Karuizawa 1991, there was a Tomatin 1976 and a Ballindalloch 1976 (Glenfarclas) in the same series.

Karuizawa 21 yo 1991 ‘The School of Malt – lesson III’ (63,7%, No.1 Drinks 2012, sherry butt #9091, selected by Dave Broom)

Nose: a fairly dry start, with a typical oriental spiciness but also the kind of slightly sour tobacco leaves and a flowery aroma that I often get in 1990’s Karuizawa. Oranges and lemon. Some varnished oak. Chocolate notes and a faint hint of smoke in the distance. Mouth: at first dried fruits and sweetness of baked pears, evolving to more tangy flavours like zesty oranges and ginger. Pepper. Then some liquorice and earthy notes. Again a hint of smoke. Finish: long and dry on oranges, spices and roasted nuts.

A good educational dram to show some typical characteristics of this distillery, but in term of sheer enjoyment I’ve had better ones. Around € 145. Sold out. Sample provided by Nonjatta.

Score: 87/100