Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release) vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Bowmore
£8500
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Yamazaki
★ 5.00
£7299
| Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release) | Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Yamazaki |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45.1% | 48% |
| Age | 40 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £8500 | £7299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
Quick verdict
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is better value at £7299 vs £8500.
For beginners: Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£8500 vs £7299)
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Only Bowmore 40 Year Old (2023 Release)
Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)