Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%
DistilleryRosebankKaruizawa
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.3%48%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£1499£1803.5
Rating4.20/52.75/5

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value3/100

Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 2.75).

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £1804.

For beginners: Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
  • +More affordable (£1499 vs £1803.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water

Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1803.5 vs £1499)
  • Lower community rating (2.8 vs 4.2)

Who should buy Rosebank?

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) 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 Karuizawa?

Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeFresh Fruit

Only Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%

SherriedDried FruitChocolateNuttyOld Wood

Explore more