Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017 vs Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release
DistilleryKaruizawaBladnoch
RegionLowland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.8%41.2%
AgeNAS29 yr
Price£4653.84£4995
Rating5.00/5

Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value1/100

Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017 is better value at £4654 vs £4995.

For beginners: Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£4653.84 vs £4995)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£4995 vs £4653.84)

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodSherried

Only Karuizawa 1985 Single Cask 7017

VanillaDried Fruit

Only Bladnoch 29 Year Old - Bicentennial Release

Cooked FruitHoneyChocolate

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