Karuizawa Noh 13 Year Old (Second Release): Noh Series 13 Year Old Second Release, same vintage as the first release but with different designs/cask numbers
The 13-2 is a supplementary bottling of the Noh Series, with a lower existing quantity than the first release of the 13 Year Old. Collectors often acquire both releases.
Karuizawa Brand and Market Background
Karuizawa is known for its long maturation in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, producing whiskies with rich and deep flavors, featuring layers of dried fruit, Christmas pudding, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.
Karuizawa is currently one of the brands with the highest single-bottle transaction prices in the global whisky auction market. Some rare single casks have fetched over seven-figure HKD at Bonhams and Sotheby's.
Single cask bottling means that every bottle of whisky comes from the same oak cask. The bottle typically indicates the cask number, distillation year, bottling year, and yield. The scarcity of single casks lies in the fact that once a cask is sold out, the exact same liquid will no longer exist.
The market pricing logic for limited editions differs from regular editions: in addition to the quality of the liquid, factors such as packaging design, limited release quantity, and commemorative significance are all factored into the valuation. The completeness of accessories (original box, certificate, numbered card, etc.) significantly impacts the final transaction price.
Noh 13 Year Old (Second Release) Specification Positioning
| Item | Characteristics of this bottle |
| Age | 13 Years Old (Second Release) (same vintage as the 13 Year Old First Release) |
| Cask Type | Single Cask, mostly matured in sherry casks |
| Main Label Visual | The Noh 13 Year Old Second Release label features a different samurai mask design |
| Rarity Level | Limited single cask release, usually fewer than 200 bottles per bottling |
| Distillery Status | Ceased production in 2000, original site demolished in 2011, discontinued Japanese whisky |
Noh 13 Year Old (Second Release) Key Authentication Points
The identification of the 13-2 label is based on the cask number coding on the back label, which does not overlap with the cask number of the 13 Year Old first release.
Common authentication process: Fill level (neck level is ideal), health of cork or screw cap, label print quality, engraved bottle number, completeness of original wooden box and certificate. If any of these are missing, the valuation will be discounted accordingly, but it can still be accepted for sale.
Market Depth of the Noh Series
The Karuizawa Noh Series covers multiple vintages, with releases ranging from 12 to 23 years old. Each bottle is independently bottled as a single cask, with the main visual consistently featuring the art theme of Noh theatre.
The Noh Series consistently appears in Bonhams, Sotheby's, and Whisky Auctioneer auctions each season, making it an evergreen theme for late Karuizawa bottlings.
Selling Process
- Take photos and request a quote: WhatsApp 46135750, send clear photos of the front of the bottle, back label, fill level at the neck, bottom of the bottle, and outer box.
- Quote on the same day: Our team will respond based on the current week's market prices. If satisfied with the price, we will arrange for pickup or drop-off, with cash or FPS settlement on the spot.
Further reading: Japanese Whisky Full Series Valuation, Recycling FAQ.
