Yamazaki 1984 vs Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Yamazaki 1984Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryYamazakiHakushu
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%60.7%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£899.95£949.95
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £950.

For beginners: Yamazaki 1984 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £949.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£949.95 vs £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodVanillaNutty

Only Yamazaki 1984

ToastedSherried

Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

HoneyChocolate

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