Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Chichibu US Edition 2023

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldChichibu US Edition 2023
DistilleryHibikiChichibu
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%53.5%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£750£599
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Chichibu US Edition 2023

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chichibu US Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Chichibu US Edition 2023 is better value at £599 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 £599)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Chichibu US Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £750)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — 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 Chichibu?

Chichibu US Edition 2023 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 Chichibu US Edition 2023

SherriedSmokeyToastedFresh FruitNew Wood

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