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 1984
Yamazaki
★ 5.00
£900

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Hakushu
£950
| Yamazaki 1984 | Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Hakushu |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 60.7% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £899.95 | £949.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Yamazaki 1984
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Yamazaki 1984
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
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
Only Yamazaki 1984
Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)