Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu vs Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu | Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Karuizawa |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £2200 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 4.67/5 |
Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Quick verdict
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% is better value at £1500 vs £2200.
For beginners: Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2200 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 12 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Only Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%

