Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt Whisky vs Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt WhiskyOld Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryHakushuPulteney
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£6.75£4.32
Rating4.11/5

Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (4.11 vs 0.00).

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £4 vs £7.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£6.75 vs £4.32)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.1)

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.1/5)
  • +More affordable (£4.32 vs £6.75)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt 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 Old?

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Sample Japanese Single Malt Whisky

SmokeyCitricGreen-HouseVegetative

Only Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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