What are the stylistic differences of Karuizawa compared to Yamazaki and Yoichi?

That's a great question! If you imagine these three whiskies as three different people, their personalities become instantly clear.

Yamazaki: The Refined Nobleman

• Impression: Yamazaki gives off a feeling of being incredibly elegant, delicate, and layered. It's like a well-dressed, articulate scion of a prominent family, knowledgeable about many things, and possessing an exceptional sense of balance.
• Flavor: Its fruitiness is very rich, like ripe fruits and the sweetness of honey. What's most unique is its distinct "Mizunara cask" flavor, which smells a bit like sandalwood or incense – very sophisticated and serene. When you drink it, no single flavor stands out abruptly; all tastes blend harmoniously, offering a smooth palate and a long, lingering finish.
• Summary: If you want to get into Japanese whisky, or if you appreciate complex yet balanced flavors, Yamazaki is the best choice. It represents the most classic and harmonious aesthetic of Japanese whisky.

Yoichi: The Tough Guy from the Northern Coast

• Impression: Yoichi's style is completely different; it's rugged, powerful, and full of character. If Yamazaki is the nobleman, then Yoichi is a weather-beaten, taciturn but passionate fisherman or lumberjack from the Hokkaido coast.
• Flavor: Its biggest characteristic is a distinct smoky and peaty flavor, somewhat similar to whiskies from Islay, Scotland, but not quite as "antiseptic." Because the distillery is by the sea, you can also detect a hint of saltiness brought by the sea breeze. Its body is stronger, the taste more robust, even a bit oily. This is because it still uses the now-rare "coal-fired direct distillation" method, which is difficult to control but imparts a unique charred aroma and a sense of power to the whisky.
• Summary: If you prefer a more "manly" whisky, or if you already enjoy Scotch whiskies like Talisker or Laphroaig, you'll likely fall in love with Yoichi. It represents the masculine and resilient side of Japanese whisky.

Karuizawa: The Legendary Master Living in Myth

• Impression: Karuizawa is no longer just an ordinary whisky; it's a myth. The distillery closed in 2000, so each bottle consumed means one less available, and prices are astronomically high. Its style is one of extreme richness, heaviness, and complexity. It's like a reclusive master who rarely makes an appearance, but when they do, it's astonishing.
• Flavor: Karuizawa's style is almost synonymous with "heavy sherry casks." Imagine countless raisins, dark chocolate, toffee, leather, tobacco, and various dark dried fruits compressed together, then aged for a very, very long time – that's the kind of flavor "bomb" it is. Its palate is incredibly oily and full-bodied, with a very strong flavor impact. Due to its long aging, the wood influence is profoundly deep. It doesn't aim for Yamazaki's balance, but rather an ultimate splendor and impact.
• Summary: Discussing Karuizawa today is more about its collector's value and legendary status. Its taste is very "un-Japanese," resembling some old-school heavy sherry styles from Scotland, but taken to an extreme. It's rare for ordinary people to have the chance to taste it, but understanding its style helps appreciate the diversity of Japanese whisky.

In simple terms:

• Yamazaki: Like a harmonious symphony, elegant and balanced.
• Yoichi: Like intense rock music, full of power and smokiness.
• Karuizawa: Like an out-of-print classical vinyl record, rich and heavy, a swan song of an era.

Hope this explanation helps you understand their differences!