Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£750
Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)
Bowmore
£684
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Bowmore |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 54.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £750 | £683.71 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky) is better value at £684 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 £683.71)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£683.71 vs £750)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.8%) — 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky) 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
Only Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)