Hakushu 18 Year Old vs Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition

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

Hakushu 18 Year OldYamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition
DistilleryHakushuYamazaki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age18 yr18 yr
Price£620.5£999
Rating4.38/5

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner55/100
Value7/100

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu 18 Year Old is rated higher (4.38 vs 0.00).

Hakushu 18 Year Old is better value at £621 vs £999.

For beginners: Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.4/5)
  • +More affordable (£620.5 vs £999)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £620.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 18 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Hakushu 18 Year Old

FragantMalt ExtractFresh FruitSmokeyGreen-House

Only Yamazaki 18 Year Old - Limited Edition

SherriedHoneyCooked FruitVanillaOld Wood

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