Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 47.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £750 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Hibiki 21 Year Old is better value at £750 vs £799.
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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 vs £750)
- −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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 21 Year Old
Only Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish

