Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
| Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) | Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shinshu | Brackla |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61.8% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £170.04 | £219.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782) is better value at £170 vs £220.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 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 £219.99)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (61.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.99 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 Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Mars Komagatake 2014 (bottled 2017) (cask 1782)
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old