Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%
Karuizawa
★ 2.75
£1804
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Karuizawa | Rosebank |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 55.3% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £1803.5 | £1499 |
| Rating | 2.75/5 | 4.20/5 |
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 2.75).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £1804.
For beginners: Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1803.5 vs £1499)
- −Lower community rating (2.8 vs 4.2)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £1803.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
Who should buy Karuizawa?
Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48% suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Rosebank?
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Karuizawa Spirit of Asama 48%
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)