Hakushu 18 Year Old vs Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

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

Hakushu 18 Year OldEagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)
DistilleryHakushuEagle Rare
Region
CountryJapanAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV43%50.5%
Age18 yr17 yr
Price£620.5£999
Rating4.38/5

Hakushu 18 Year Old

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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

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: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (60/100 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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£999 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 Eagle?

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release) 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 Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

Old WoodVanillaDried FruitSherriedTobacco

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