Karuizawa Ocean SP Special Old (1980s Edition)
76cl / 43%
£109.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Japan
Tasting Notes
Maritime motives with minty and peppery notes
Fruity with pepper and herbs notes, slight bitterness
Medium finish with licorice hints
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An exceptionally rare, malt-centric expression from the closed Karuizawa distillery, defined by profound, heavily Sherried character.
At-a-Glance
This product represents a high-malt component offering from the now-closed Karuizawa Distillery, bottled during its operation under Ocean Co. Ltd. ownership. The absence of an age statement is secondary to the identity of the malt component within.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Karuizawa Distillery / Ocean Co. Ltd. / Japan |
| Category | Single Malt (Malt-Centric Blend) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | No age statement / 1980s Bottling |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV / 700ml or 720ml |
| Cask / Treatment | Predominantly Sherry butts |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer |
| Intended channel | Domestic Japanese Premium Market |
| Packaging | Tall, slender bottle, specific Japanese typography |
| Notes on discrepancies | Must be verified as "SP Special Old" to differentiate from standard Ocean blends. |
Historical Context
Karuizawa Distillery, which ceased production in 2000, earned its international prestige posthumously through its distinctive, intensely flavoured malt. The distillery, while operational, provided components for the broader Ocean range of whiskies under the Ocean ownership structure. The "SP Special Old" designation is critical, signifying that this 1980s bottling was a premium domestic market offering that contained a significantly higher concentration of the powerful Karuizawa malt compared to standard Ocean blends. The predominant use of high-quality Sherry butts during maturation is fundamental to its fame and flavour profile.
The current market valuation of this bottling is driven by a convergence of severe scarcity factors. Firstly, the distillery is permanently closed, immediately limiting the supply. Secondly, the intense, specific flavour profile derived from heavy Sherry maturation is highly sought after by global enthusiasts. Lastly, the outturn for this domestic, non-export product was limited and is not officially documented. This combination of rarity and profound flavour results in extreme, and sometimes highly volatile, secondary market pricing. The valuation relies entirely upon precise authentication of the bottle’s identity (confirming the "SP Special Old" designation) and verification of its provenance.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The technical specification of 43% ABV is standard for premium Japanese domestic market whiskies of the 1980s. The critical technical detail is the source and maturation, confirmed by tasting notes to be intensely Sherried. The inherent intensity of the Karuizawa malt means even a high-malt blend achieves a profound depth of flavour.
Documented variants
The primary factor defining desirability is the exact wording on the label. Differentiation between the 'Ocean SP Special Old' and the more common, lower-malt 'Ocean Old' or other standard blends is paramount. This distinction separates a high-value collector's piece from a relatively common historical curiosity. Volumes vary slightly between 700ml and 720ml, which is customary for 1980s Japanese domestic bottlings.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 700/720ml | Japan Domestic | "SP Special Old" specific script, high malt content | Extremely High |
| 40% | 700/720ml | Japan Domestic | Standard Ocean Whisky, lower malt content | Low/Moderate |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Given the extreme auction valuation (5,000 to 12,000 GBP), the risk of counterfeiting is significant, making robust authentication essential. Authentication is entirely dependent on verifying the specific, intricate Japanese typography on the label, which must contain the distinct characters confirming the "SP Special Old" designation. Provenance documentation, including original retailer receipts or verifiable auction history, is considered mandatory for achieving peak value. Standard checks for fill level integrity are also crucial, but label and identity verification are the highest priority.
Regulatory/terminology notes
While the product might not meet contemporary definitions of 'Single Malt Scotch Whisky', the designation 'Malt-Centric Blend' is utilized to convey that the overwhelming flavour profile and value derived from the dense Karuizawa malt component.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is the primary driver of collector demand: an intense, dark, and highly tannic expression of high-quality Sherry maturation.
Nose: Heavy saturation of Sherry influence, characterized by notes of dark dried fruits such as plums and dates, rich cocoa powder, and intense baking spices. Notes of aged leather and deeply roasted nuts are commonly observed.
Palate: Full-bodied with a luxurious, oily texture. The flavour delivers a profound hit of dark fruit compote, spicy oak, and a distinctive, dry tannic structure that is a hallmark of high-quality, pre-closure Karuizawa Sherry maturation.
Finish: Very long, exceedingly warming, and highly tannic. Notes of dried ginger, spice, and dark chocolate persist long after consumption.
With water: Dilution is generally not recommended, as it risks diluting the powerful concentration and intensity that defines the style.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Historical RRP is statistically irrelevant. The market operates at a highly specialized, high-risk, high-reward level.
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Original RRP (GBP): Not a relevant metric.
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Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Highly variable, 7,000 - 15,000 GBP.
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Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 5,000 - 12,000 GBP.
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Pricing stratification: Valuation is severely stratified by authentication status and provenance. A bottle with documented liquid history and verifiable integrity commands the highest prices. Any uncertainty regarding provenance or condition can result in rapid and significant depreciation towards the floor of the range.
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Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is extremely limited, catering only to top-tier collectors willing to pay substantial premiums for verified rarity.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction | Q1 2024 | 720ml, 43%, Pristine provenance | 11,800 | High-end result for authenticated bottle |
| Auction | Q3 2023 | 700ml, 43%, Moderate label wear | 6,250 | Lower end, reflecting condition/risk assessment |
| FX note: | FX: 1 JPY = 0.0055 GBP on 15/03/2024 |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Karuizawa's legacy is built on small-scale, artisanal production, utilizing high-quality ingredients and a specific climate influence to produce a malt of immense density and flavour concentration. The profound closure status of the distillery acts as a massive amplification factor for the value of all remaining stocks.
Sourcing
Sourcing must exclusively target the 'SP Special Old' label variant. The tolerance for red flags is zero: any bottle lacking full photographic evidence and demonstrable purchase history (e.g., prior auction lot numbers or direct import receipts) should be avoided. The condition threshold is unequivocally mint. Due to the inherent risk and extreme niche appeal, velocity is negligible. Margin potential is extremely high, but realization depends entirely on expert authentication and specialist secondary market placement.
