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)
Karuizawa
★ 4.62
£27996

Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky
Royal Salute
£24000
| Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) | Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Royal Salute |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 48 yr | NAS |
| Price | £27995.95 | £24000 |
| Rating | 4.62/5 | — |
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky
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)
Only Royal Salute 52 Year Old / Time Series Blended Scotch Whisky