Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) vs Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryYamazakiGlenrothes
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48%40%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£7299£6145
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £6145 vs £7299.

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

  • More expensive (£7299 vs £6145)

Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£6145 vs £7299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside 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 Glenrothes 1980 / 42 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Fresh FruitCitricOily

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