The Final Masterpiece of Japan’s Legendary Distillery
Karuizawa is a legend in Japanese whisky, and this edition marks its absolute pinnacle. Revealed in an exclusive preview ahead of the global launch on October 3, Once in a Lifetime represents the final official release before the distillery’s permanent closure. It is an unrepeatable tribute to the 70th anniversary of Karuizawa’s founding (1955–2000) and to the Japanese concept of ichigo ichie—every moment is unique and must be fully cherished.
This ultra-limited edition consists of only 145 bottles worldwide, crafted from a selection of whiskies distilled from the 1960s through 2000. Each bottle is presented in handcrafted cedar boxes from Kyoto, made using original Karuizawa cask staves, and adorned with traditional karakami labels by Kira Karacho, featuring unique and unrepeatable washi paper.
The tasting profile, as described by whisky authority Dave Broom, captures the smoky power of the early years, the elegant complexity of the 1980s, and the bright fruitiness of the final vintages. The result is a resonant, balanced, and complete whisky: the very quintessence of Karuizawa.
Market performance underscores its rarity and prestige. Limited Karuizawa editions have seen an average annual value increase of +50% since 2018, with a record auction price of €400,000 achieved in 2023 for a single bottle. With only 145 bottles produced, this release stands among the rarest ever to appear on the market.
International recognition has been immediate. Once in a Lifetime is considered the ultimate masterpiece of Karuizawa, curated by Number One Drinks—the key force behind the revival of the Karuizawa myth—and endorsed by Dave Broom, one of the most authoritative voices in the whisky world.
