Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Benriach The Thirty

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldBenriach The Thirty
DistilleryHibikiBenriach
Region
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%46%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£750£667.5
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Benriach The Thirty

Smoke64/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Benriach The Thirty

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Benriach The Thirty is better value at £668 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 £667.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Benriach The Thirty

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£667.5 vs £750)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Benriach?

Benriach The Thirty suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanilla

Only Benriach The Thirty

SmokeySherriedChocolateToastedNutty

Explore more