Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh Whisky vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh WhiskyYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryKaruizawaYamazaki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.7%48%
Age32 yr18 yr
Price£6895.94£7299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner35/100
Value1/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh Whisky is better value at £6896 vs £7299.

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

Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh Whisky

Pros

  • +More affordable (£6895.94 vs £7299)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£7299 vs £6895.94)

Who should buy Karuizawa?

Karuizawa 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - 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 32 Year Old 1977 (cask 4592) - Noh Whisky

Dried FruitToastedLeathery

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

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