Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi vs Yoichi 20 Year Old

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

Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - KoiYoichi 20 Year Old
DistilleryKaruizawaYoichi
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%52%
AgeNAS20 yr
Price£3497.17£2500
Rating4.33/5

Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Yoichi 20 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner35/100
Value2/100

Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yoichi 20 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yoichi 20 Year Old is rated higher (4.33 vs 0.00).

Yoichi 20 Year Old is better value at £2500 vs £3497.

For beginners: Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£3497.17 vs £2500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.3)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Yoichi 20 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.3/5)
  • +More affordable (£2500 vs £3497.17)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi 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 Yoichi?

Yoichi 20 Year Old 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

ToastedMalt Extract

Only Karuizawa 1982 Cask 8497 - Koi

VanillaHoney

Only Yoichi 20 Year Old

SmokeyOilyDried Fruit

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