Miyagikyo 15 Year Old vs SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky

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

Miyagikyo 15 Year OldSMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky
DistilleryMiyagikyoInverleven
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV45%40%
Age15 yrNAS
Price£699£850
Rating5.00/5

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £850.

For beginners: SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £850)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£850 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

HoneyMalt Extract

Only SMWS 20.17 (Inverleven) / 1978 / 23 Year Old Lowland Whisky

CitricCooked Fruit

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