Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136) vs The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136)
Karuizawa
£3995
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
The Macallan
★ 4.91
£2750
| Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136) | The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.3% | 43% |
| Age | 33 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £3995 | £2750 |
| Rating | — | 4.91/5 |
Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136)
The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018
Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136)
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 £3995.
For beginners: The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£3995 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 £3995)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136) 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 Karuizawa 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 136)
Only The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak - Pre 2018