Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Karuizawa 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese Whisky

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

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi IIIKaruizawa 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese Whisky
DistilleryHibikiKaruizawa
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended
ABV43%40%
Age35 yrNAS
Price£19500£25000
Rating4.67/5

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

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

Karuizawa 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is better value at £19500 vs £25000.

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 affordable (£19500 vs £25000)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Karuizawa 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£25000 vs £19500)
  • 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 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese 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

HoneySherried

Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

VanillaMalt Extract

Only Karuizawa 38 Year Old / Platinum Geisha Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Old WoodDried FruitCooked FruitLeathery

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