Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Karuizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky

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

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi IIIKaruizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky
DistilleryHibikiKaruizawa
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended
ABV43%40%
Age35 yrNAS
Price£19500£15000
Rating4.67/5

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

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

Karuizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).

Karuizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky is better value at £15000 vs £19500.

For beginners: Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£19500 vs £15000)

Karuizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£15000 vs £19500)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III 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 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask 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

Sherried

Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Karuizawa 1981 / Bot.2014 / Sherry Cask Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Old WoodDried FruitCooked FruitToasted

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