Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky

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

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky
DistilleryKaruizawaRoyal Salute
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV57.7%40%
Age48 yrNAS
Price£27995.95£24000
Rating4.62/5

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

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

Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £24000 vs £27996.

For beginners: Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£27995.95 vs £24000)

Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£24000 vs £27995.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Royal?

Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitLeatheryTobacco

Only Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky

Cooked FruitChocolateNuttyToasted

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