Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh Whisky vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh WhiskyYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryKaruizawaYamazaki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.2%48%
Age28 yr18 yr
Price£7995£7299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value1/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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).

Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh Whisky

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£7995 vs £7299)

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£7299 vs £7995)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh Whisky 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 Karuizawa 28 Year Old 1983 (cask 7576) - Noh Whisky

SherriedDried FruitChocolateLeathery

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

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