Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal)

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldImperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal)
DistilleryHibikiImperial
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%50.4%
Age21 yr27 yr
Price£750£576.48
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal) is better value at £576 vs £750.

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

  • More expensive (£750 vs £576.48)

Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£576.48 vs £750)
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • 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 Imperial?

Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal) 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

HoneyDried Fruit

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

Vanilla

Only Imperial 27 Year Old 1995 - New Vibrations (Silver Seal)

Old WoodSherriedToasted

Explore more