Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki 21 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£750

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask
Port Ellen
£695
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Port Ellen |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £750 | £695 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask is better value at £695 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 £695)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£695 vs £750)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask 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
Only Hibiki 21 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1976 (cask 4785) - First Cask