Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Yamazaki Mizunara 2012

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldYamazaki Mizunara 2012
DistilleryHighland ParkYamazaki
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.3%48%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£2995£3500
Rating4.88/55.00/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 2012

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value1/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki Mizunara 2012

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki Mizunara 2012 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3500.

For beginners: Yamazaki Mizunara 2012 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3500)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki Mizunara 2012

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2995)

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki Mizunara 2012 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.

Tasting notes

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 2012

New WoodFragantHoneyVanilla

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