Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single Whisky

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

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single Whisky
DistilleryKaruizawaVarious Distilleries
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

Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single 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: Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single 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 £40000)
  • +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

Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

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 Prima?

Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single 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

SherriedOld WoodLeathery

Only Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

Dried FruitTobacco

Only Prima and Ultima Fourth Release / 8-bottle Set Single Whisky

SmokeyToasted

Explore more