Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000

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

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000
DistilleryYamazakiKaruizawa
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%60.9%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£7299£7500
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000

Smoke0/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000

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 £7500.

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

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£7500 vs £7299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000 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 WoodVanilla

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Honey

Only Karuizawa Raku-Yaki 1999-2000

SherriedChocolate

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