Yamazaki 12 Year Old vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Yamazaki 12 Year OldLedaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryYamazakiTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%51.7%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£139.95£89.95
Rating4.37/55.00/5

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value31/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.37).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £140.

For beginners: Yamazaki 12 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 12 Year Old 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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

Only Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt ExtractToastedVanilla

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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