Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

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

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky
DistilleryYamazakiLaphroaig
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48%40%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£7299£7500
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Old WoodVanillaHoney

Only Laphroaig 1981 / 27 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

SmokeySherriedMedicinalTobaccoLeathery

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