Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Karuizawa
★ 4.62
£27996
Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Highland Park
£39000
| Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) | Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Highland Park |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 48 yr | NAS |
| Price | £27995.95 | £39000 |
| Rating | 4.62/5 | — |
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch 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 £39000.
For beginners: Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
- +More affordable (£27995.95 vs £39000)
- +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
Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£39000 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 Highland?
Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Only Highland Park 1968 / 54 Year Old Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky