Ocean Karuizawa, Hanshin Tigers
90cl / 35%
£109.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Japan
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A rare Blended Whisky from the silent Karuizawa distillery stock, released to celebrate the 2003 Hanshin Tigers baseball championship.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Karuizawa Distillery (Ocean/Mercian) / Distillery Bottling / Japan |
| Category | Blended Whisky (Contains Karuizawa malt component) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | No Age Statement / Bottled 2003 (Commemorating Hanshin Tigers' Central League win) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 35% ABV / 90cl (Specific bar/export volume) |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer (Mixed Malt/Grain blend base) |
| Natural Colour | Yes (Coloring Applied) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Yes (Cold filtration applied) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Edition (Estimated 200–500 bottles) |
| Intended channel | Exclusive Bar/Trade Distribution (Never available in free trade) |
| Packaging | Standard bottle, specifically labelled for the Hanshin Tigers 2003 Champions. |
| Notes on discrepancies | This is a highly specific, low-ABV blend, distinct from the higher-strength Karuizawa single malts. The 35% ABV reflects older, specific Japanese whisky regulations. |
Historical Context
Karuizawa Distillery, owned by Mercian Corporation, was the smallest distillery in Japan and ceased production in 2000, closing permanently in 2011. The remaining stock is now considered extinct, driving exponential value across all Karuizawa bottlings. The distillery, known for its focus on single cask malt, also produced blends for everyday use under the Ocean/Karuizawa name.
This bottling was a limited-edition release in 2003 to commemorate the Hanshin Tigers winning the Central League of Japanese baseball, their first championship victory since 1985. This event-specific linkage transforms the bottle into a sought-after collector's item combining whisky provenance with historic Japanese sports memorabilia.
Crucially, this Ocean/Karuizawa release was issued to bars only and was never available in free retail trade. This exclusive channel drastically limited its original availability and contributes significantly to its rarity. The unique nature of the 35% ABV liquid—an unusual strength, allowed under specific Japanese whisky regulations of the time—further confirms its historical and technical singularity.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The technical specification confirms this is a Blended Whisky containing malt from the defunct Karuizawa distillery. The specific format is a 90cl (900ml) bottle, bottled at 35% ABV. The low 35% ABV and the 90cl volume are key markers of its unique bar/trade distribution.
Disclaimer: The broader Hanshin Tigers series includes player-specific releases at 37% ABV (36cl) and separate 12 Year Old Single Malt versions at 40% ABV, but this Ocean/Karuizawa Blended Whisky is defined by the 35% ABV/90cl specification.
Documented variants
The broader Hanshin Tigers releases feature variations in player theme, age, and ABV.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 35% | 90cl | Bar/Trade Exclusive | Hanshin Tigers 2003 Champions, Low ABV | High (Obscure Rarity and Provenance) |
| 40% | 70cl | General Commemorative | 12 Year Old Single Malt version | Very High (Higher quality liquid) |
| 37% | 36cl | Player Collection | Player-head stopper, smaller format | Moderate (Niche sports memorabilia) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication relies on verifying the Karuizawa Blended Whisky status and the specific Hanshin Tigers 2003 Champions label. The liquid is notably a blend at 35% ABV, confirming its specific classification within the obscure Japanese regulations of the time. The bottle may have player-themed stoppers or be part of a larger set. Given the scarcity of this bottling, label integrity is highly valued. Due to the low ABV, ullage or liquid degradation is a severe risk.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 35% ABV is significant; Japanese regulations historically permitted spirits to be sold as 'whisky' at strengths below the 40% Western standard. This Blended Whisky designation confirms the liquid contains both malt and grain components. The product is known to have undergone cold filtration and includes Coloring Applied.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Nose: Subtle aromas of dried fruits and gentle oak, complemented by a hint of vanilla sweetness.
Palate: A smooth and mellow profile featuring notes of caramel, soft spices, and a touch of citrus zest.
Finish: A delicate and lingering finish with nuances of toasted nuts and4 light smoke.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The price is driven entirely by the Karuizawa "Ghost Distillery" premium and the event-specific scarcity.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Retail listings for this 35% ABV/90cl blend are typically around GBP 109.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Auction hammer prices are highly volatile, ranging from GBP 60.00 (for small player bottles) up to GBP 250.00 (for the full 90cl blend).
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Listing) | Current | 90cl, 35% ABV | 109.00 | Indicative retail listing |
| Auction (Hammer) | Recent | Blended Whisky (90cl) | 250.00 | High-end hammer price |
| Auction (Hammer) | Recent | 36cl Player Bottle | 60.00 | Low end player bottle price |
Pricing stratification: Value is highly dependent on bottle size, strength, and the specific event/player commemoration. The low 35% ABV bottle trades much lower than genuine 40% or 50%+ Karuizawa single malts, but retains high value due to its improbability/scarcity.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high due to the brand name but constrained by the difficulty of sourcing the original bar-exclusive 90cl format.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Karuizawa Distillery (Closed) is a monumental name in Japanese whisky, its silent status ensuring terminal scarcity. The Ocean/Mercian affiliation confirms its provenance, and all existing bottles are viewed as historical artifacts of early Japanese whisky production.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: The Ocean/Karuizawa 2003 Champions Blended Whisky (35% ABV, 90cl) is the key bar-exclusive specification.
Red flags to avoid: Any bottle claiming 40% ABV if it is the 90cl blend, as this is technically incorrect for the specific bar release. Low ullage due to the low ABV.
Condition thresholds: Pristine label condition is essential for high collector value.
Margin/velocity expectations: High margins are achieved due to the scarcity of extinct distillery stock; moderate velocity.
