Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Balvenie 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Karuizawa
£3500
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£3193
| Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Balvenie 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 44.2% |
| Age | 19 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £3499.95 | £3192.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 30 Year Old is better value at £3193 vs £3500.
For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£3499.95 vs £3192.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Balvenie 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 30 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Balvenie 30 Year Old