Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

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

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky
DistilleryKaruizawaBowmore
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV57.7%40%
Age48 yrNAS
Price£27995.95£40000
Rating4.62/5

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) is rated higher (4.62 vs 0.00).

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) is better value at £27996 vs £40000.

For beginners: Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
  • +More affordable (£27995.95 vs £40000)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water

Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£40000 vs £27995.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) 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.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

Old WoodLeatheryTobacco

Only Bowmore 1965 / 52 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

FragantChocolateHoney

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