Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Yamazaki Mizunara 2013

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldYamazaki Mizunara 2013
DistilleryBalvenieYamazaki
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%48%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£3192.95£2995
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value2/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 2013

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki Mizunara 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 is better value at £2995 vs £3193.

For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2995)

Yamazaki Mizunara 2013

Pros

  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3192.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 30 Year Old 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.

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 2013

FragantVanillaToasted

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