Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88) vs Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88)Hibiki 21 Year Old
DistilleryLaphroaigHibiki
Region
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV53.9%43%
Age19 yr21 yr
Price£799£750
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 21 Year Old is better value at £750 vs £799.

For beginners: Hibiki 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£799 vs £750)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88) 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 Hibiki?

Hibiki 21 Year Old 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 Laphroaig 19 Year Old 2001 – Scottish Folklore Series (Cask 88)

SmokeyMedicinalSherriedLeatheryOld Wood

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

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