Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts vs Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

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

Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare MaltsMiyagikyo 15 Year Old
DistilleryBenromachMiyagikyo
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV63.8%45%
Age19 yr15 yr
Price£799£699
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value6/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £799.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (63.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£799 vs £699)

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £799)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Benromach?

Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old 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

Only Benromach 19 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

SmokeyToastedDried FruitOld WoodLeathery

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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