Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) vs Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Shinshu
£170

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£218
| Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) | Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shinshu | Bruichladdich |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61.8% | 62.6% |
| Age | NAS | 16 yr |
| Price | £170.04 | £217.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) is better value at £170 vs £218.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£170.04 vs £217.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (61.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (62.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£217.95 vs £170.04)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Mars?
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Only Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)