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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Talisker | Hibiki |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 45.8% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £999 | £699 |
| Rating | — | 4.75/5 |
Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
Hibiki 17 Year Old
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)
Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

