Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Yamazaki
★ 5.00
£7299
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Bowmore
£8500
| Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) | Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Bowmore |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 45.1% |
| Age | 18 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £7299 | £8500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
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 £8500.
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
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£8500 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Only Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)