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)
Yamazaki
★ 5.00
£7299

Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bowmore
£8000
| Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) | Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Bowmore |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 48% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £7299 | £8000 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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
Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Only Bowmore 40 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky