Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004) vs Yamazaki 1984
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004) | Yamazaki 1984 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Oban | Yamazaki |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.9% | 48% |
| Age | 20 yr | NAS |
| Price | £999 | £899.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004)
Yamazaki 1984
Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004)
Yamazaki 1984
Quick verdict
Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £999.
For beginners: Yamazaki 1984 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£999 vs £899.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Yamazaki 1984
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£899.95 vs £999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Oban?
Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004) 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 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Oban 20 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2004)
Only Yamazaki 1984