Hakushu 18 Year Old vs Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Hakushu 18 Year OldHakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryHakushuHakushu
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%60.7%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£620.5£949.95
Rating4.38/5

Hakushu 18 Year Old

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

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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 £950.

For beginners: Hakushu 18 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 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 £949.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£949.95 vs £620.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)

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 Hakushu?

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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

Only Hakushu 18 Year Old

FragantMalt ExtractFresh FruitSmokeyGreen-House

Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaChocolateNutty

Explore more