Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% vs Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Karuizawa
★ 4.67
£1500
Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
The Macallan
£1500
| Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% | Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | The Macallan |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55% | 54% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1499.95 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | — |
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55% is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) is better value at £1500 vs £1500.
For beginners: Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1499.95)
Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£1499.95 vs £1500)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
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.
Who should buy Macallan?
Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 55%
Only Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)