Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) vs The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Karuizawa
★ 4.62
£27996
The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor)
The Macallan
★ 3.86
£38995
| Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) | The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 48 yr | 48 yr |
| Price | £27995.95 | £38995 |
| Rating | 4.62/5 | 3.86/5 |
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) is rated higher (4.62 vs 3.86).
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603) is better value at £27996 vs £38995.
For beginners: The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
- +More affordable (£27995.95 vs £38995)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£38995 vs £27995.95)
- −Lower community rating (3.9 vs 4.6)
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 The?
The Macallan 48 Year Old 1969 - The Rarest of the Rare Collection (Duncan Taylor) 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 48 Year Old 1964 (cask 3603)