Shirakawa 1958 vs Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo)

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

Shirakawa 1958Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo)
DistilleryTakara ShuzoKaruizawa
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49%56.5%
AgeNAS35 yr
Price£23495£16995
Rating5.00/5

Shirakawa 1958

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Shirakawa 1958

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Shirakawa 1958 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo) is better value at £16995 vs £23495.

For beginners: Shirakawa 1958 is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Shirakawa 1958

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£23495 vs £16995)

Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£16995 vs £23495)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Shirakawa?

Shirakawa 1958 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodLeathery

Only Shirakawa 1958

SmokeyToastedMedicinal

Only Karuizawa 35 Year Old - Cities Of Japan (Tokyo)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

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