Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Yamazaki
★ 5.00
£7299
Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky
Balvenie
£7225
| Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) | Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Balvenie |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 48% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £7299 | £7225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky
Quick verdict
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky is better value at £7225 vs £7299.
For beginners: Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky is more approachable (85/100 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 £7225)
Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£7225 vs £7299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Only Balvenie 40 Year Old Rare Marriages (42.2%) Speyside Whisky