Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky

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

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky
DistilleryYamazakiBrora
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48%40%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£7299£6000
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky is better value at £6000 vs £7299.

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

  • More expensive (£7299 vs £6000)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£6000 vs £7299)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Brora?

Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

Only Brora 1971 / 29 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Highland Whisky

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Explore more