Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year Old vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year OldYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryBunnahabhainYamazaki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.2%48%
Age39 yr18 yr
Price£9608.72£7299
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness88/100
Beginner70/100
Value1/100

Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is better value at £7299 vs £9609.

For beginners: Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (39 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£9608.72 vs £7299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Bunnahabhain Elements 39 Year Old

SmokeySherriedDried FruitMedicinal

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

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