Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldKaruizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryHighland ParkKaruizawa
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.3%48.4%
Age40 yr19 yr
Price£2995£3499.95
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3500.

For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3499.95)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 19 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3499.95 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodSherriedDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Tobacco

Only Karuizawa 19 Year Old 1998 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

ChocolateToasted

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