Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryYamazakiBowmore
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48%40%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£7299£8000
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch 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 £8000.

For beginners: Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch 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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£8000 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 / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch 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

Old Wood

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

Only Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SherriedChocolateTobaccoLeathery

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