Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldPort Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling
DistilleryHibikiPort Ellen
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%57.9%
Age21 yr24 yr
Price£750£594.8
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling is better value at £595 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 £594.8)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£594.8 vs £750)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — 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 Port?

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling 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 Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 (bottled 2002) - The Whisky Shop 10th Anniversary Bottling

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitOld Wood

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