Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Karuizawa
★ 4.62
£27996
Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky
Port Ellen
£45000
| Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) | Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Port Ellen |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 48 yr | NAS |
| Price | £27995.95 | £45000 |
| Rating | 4.62/5 | — |
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask 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 £45000.
For beginners: Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
- +More affordable (£27995.95 vs £45000)
- +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
Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£45000 vs £27995.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Port?
Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask 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 Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky