Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662)
Karuizawa
£4312

The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662) | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61% | 43% |
| Age | 29 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £4311.69 | £2750 |
| Rating | — | 4.91/5 |
Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Quick verdict
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is better value at £2750 vs £4312.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£4311.69 vs £2750)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£2750 vs £4311.69)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 3662) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018