Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012) vs Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky

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

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012)Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky
DistilleryGlen GrantKaruizawa
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV42.3%40%
Age60 yrNAS
Price£9765.73£15000
Rating4.64/5

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012) is rated higher (4.64 vs 0.00).

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012) is better value at £9766 vs £15000.

For beginners: Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
  • +More affordable (£9765.73 vs £15000)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£15000 vs £9765.73)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012) 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.

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt 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

Old WoodSherriedDried Fruit

Only Glen Grant 60 Years old Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (1952-2012)

HoneyVanilla

Only Karuizawa 1981 / Cask #103 Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Smokey

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