Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Bimber The 1st Release

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldBimber The 1st Release
DistilleryHibikiBimber
Region
CountryJapanEngland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%54.2%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£750£799
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Bimber The 1st Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bimber The 1st Release

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).

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Bimber The 1st Release

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£799 vs £750)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Bimber?

Bimber The 1st Release 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaDried Fruit

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

Honey

Only Bimber The 1st Release

SherriedCooked Fruit

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