Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011) vs Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)Hibiki 17 Year Old
DistilleryTaliskerHibiki
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV45.8%43%
Age30 yr17 yr
Price£999£699
Rating4.75/5

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value7/100

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 17 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £999.

For beginners: Hibiki 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £999)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 17 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryDried Fruit

Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

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