Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Hibiki
★ 4.67
£19500
Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Karuizawa
£15000
| Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III | Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Karuizawa |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Blended | |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 35 yr | NAS |
| Price | £19500 | £15000 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | — |
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Quick verdict
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky is better value at £15000 vs £19500.
For beginners: Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£19500 vs £15000)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£15000 vs £19500)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III 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.
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Only Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky