Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - Rare MaltsYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryBroraYamazaki
Region
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61.1%48%
Age22 yr18 yr
Price£7995£7299
Rating5.00/5

Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

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).

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is better value at £7299 vs £7995.

For beginners: Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£7995 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 Brora?

Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - 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 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 Wood

Only Brora 22 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokeyLeatheryToastedDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

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