Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside WhiskyYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryMacallanYamazaki
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£9250£7299
Rating5.00/5

Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky

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 £9250.

For beginners: Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£9250 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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Macallan?

Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Vanilla

Only Macallan 1969 / 52 Year Old / Duncan Taylor Rarest Reserve Speyside Whisky

ChocolateCooked FruitToastedTobacco

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

Old WoodHoney

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