Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay Whisky vs Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay WhiskyYamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)
DistilleryPort EllenYamazaki
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£7000£7299
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

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

Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay 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).

Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay Whisky is better value at £7000 vs £7299.

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

Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£7000 vs £7299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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

  • More expensive (£7299 vs £7000)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay 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

Old Wood

Only Port Ellen 21 Year Old / 25th Anniversary Maltings Islay Whisky

SmokeyDried FruitLeatheryMedicinal

Only Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

VanillaHoney

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