Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryYamazakiArdbeg
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48%40%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£7299£9000
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory 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 £9000.

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

Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£9000 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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

Only Ardbeg 1979 / 40 Year Old / Signatory Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyLeatheryDried Fruit

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