Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs Shirakawa 1958
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) | Shirakawa 1958 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Takara Shuzo |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 49% |
| Age | 48 yr | NAS |
| Price | £27995.95 | £23495 |
| Rating | 4.62/5 | 5.00/5 |
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Shirakawa 1958
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Shirakawa 1958
Quick verdict
Shirakawa 1958 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.62).
Shirakawa 1958 is better value at £23495 vs £27996.
For beginners: Shirakawa 1958 is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£27995.95 vs £23495)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
Shirakawa 1958
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£23495 vs £27995.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) 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 Shirakawa?
Shirakawa 1958 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
Only Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Only Shirakawa 1958