Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch WhiskyYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryBallantine'sYamazaki
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£7200£7299
Rating5.00/5

Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £7200 vs £7299.

For beginners: Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£7200 vs £7299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £7200)

Who should buy Ballantine's?

Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodHoney

Only Ballantine's 40 Year Old / 2018 Release Blended Scotch Whisky

SherriedToastedDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Vanilla

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