Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldMortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)
DistilleryHibikiMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%54.2%
Age21 yr34 yr
Price£750£550
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi) is better value at £550 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 £550)

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£550 vs £750)
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi) 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

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

LeatheryOilyOld WoodTobaccoNutty

Where to buy

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

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