Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Karuizawa
★ 4.62
£27996
Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky
Bowmore
£37500
| Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) | Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Bowmore |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 48 yr | NAS |
| Price | £27995.95 | £37500 |
| Rating | 4.62/5 | — |
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky
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 £37500.
For beginners: Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
- +More affordable (£27995.95 vs £37500)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£37500 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 Black?
Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy 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
Only Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Only Black Bowmore 1964 / 42 Year Old / The Trilogy Islay Whisky