Wealth Solutions has launched a limited edition of Karuizawa whisky dedicated to the koi fish, which are the symbol of prosperity, good fortune and perseverance. This Japanese Single Malt Whisky was bottled and divided into three parts — each consisting of only 35 bottles.

Wealth Solutions specializes in creating and selling limited editions of extremely rare spirits. In the last few years, the company has released a dozen editions of whisky from the legendary, silent Karuizawa distillery. Those were, among others, the 48 year-old Karuizawa 1964, and the 51 year-old Karuizawa 1964 — the longest ever matured Karuizawa. In the last few years, the company has also sold the Karuizawa Cherry Tree, Karuizawa Origami, Karuizawa 1981 Shibari, Karuizawa Cites and Four Flowers.

In the Karuizawa Koi edition, Wealth Solutions decided to bottle the single malt whisky from 1999 and 2000, and divided it into three equal parts of 35 bottles (ABV: 46%, 48%, and 55%). For the purpose of this project, the company used the WS Heavy Bottle made of high purity glass, and designed by Wealth Solutions’ own creative team. On each bottle there are two koi fish swimming in a garden pond painted directly on the glass. In this way Wealth Solutions refers to the main motif of the whole edition.

Koi fish  is the symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and perseverance in both Japanese culture and Chinese culture. According to a legend, when a koi fish climbs the falls and reaches a point on the Yellow River called the Dragon Gate, it becomes a dragon. In another version of the legend, it is believed that the koi fish will swim upstream no matter the conditions, and it will choose death rather than failure. These legends are a reason why the koi have become a symbol of motivation and aspiration.

Today, in many countries, the koi fish are bred and kept in garden ponds for decorative purposes. Koi fish have 120 colour varieties and shiny scales, which makes them a very popular motif in Japanese art. They are also a sought after rarity for collectors. In 2018 a koi fish was sold on Japanese auction for astounding $1,8m becoming the most expensive fish ever.

Karuizawa Koi is available on the Wealth Solutions website (https://en.wealth.pl/our-projects/karuizawa-koi-2/).

Wealth Solutions was established in 2007 with a mission to provide unique products for collectors. The company was created by real enthusiasts of exceptional goods such as fine Bordeaux wines, top quality whisky, cognacs, watches and art. Over the past 10 years, more than 8,000 clients have trusted Wealth Solutions by purchasing top quality collectibles and using the company’s expertise.

Wealth Solutions managed place on the market one of the oldest whiskies ever and the oldest whiskies from different distilleries (e.g. Glen Grant 1949 67 YO, Glenfarclas 1953 58 YO, Karuizawa 1964 48 YO) and cognacs originating from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries (e.g. L’esprit de Tiffon and Le Sein de Dieu).

The company was also the originator behind the idea of creating the Spirit Watch line, featuring watches with capsules filled with special and old alcoholic beverages: the Cognac Watch (with 1762 Gautier cognac inside the oldest Cognac in the world), Rum Watch (with the 1780 Harewood Rum – the oldest rum in the world) and Whisky Watch (with Old Vatted Glenlivet 1862 – the oldest vintage whisky).

The distillery was established in 1955 by Daikoku-budoshu. The owner decided to build the facility in the town of Karuizawa located in the foothills of the active Asama volcano, a popular tourist destination in Japan.

Karuizawa was a small distillery producing alcoholic beverages with the use of traditional methods. In pursuit of the highest quality, Karuizawa was contained in casks previously filled with sherry and imported from Spain. Similar to its equivalent from the home of whisky, Scotland, Karuizawa is aged in sherry casks. However, the flavour of whisky is also influenced by local features that give it its unique character. Spring water drawn from the volcanic hills of Asama, freezing winters and hot summers are all hinted at in the flavour of this beverage and make it truly one of a kind. Karuizawa is very rich and aromatic with a distinct sherry profile.

Karuizawa used to produce whisky on a small-scale and was rather focused on the domestic market. This continued from its establishment in 1955 until 2000 when the production was ceased. As Karuizawa is no longer licensed to produce alcoholic beverages and the building of the distillery has a new owner, there will be no new casks on the market. No one knows when the last whisky will be bottled…