Yamazaki 18 Year Old vs Hibiki 17 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Yamazaki 18 Year Old | Hibiki 17 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Hibiki |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 18 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £589 | £699 |
| Rating | 4.73/5 | 4.75/5 |
Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Quick verdict
Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 4.73).
Yamazaki 18 Year Old is better value at £589 vs £699.
For beginners: Hibiki 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£589 vs £699)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 4.7)
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£699 vs £589)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Yamazaki?
Yamazaki 18 Year Old 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 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 Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Only Hibiki 17 Year Old