Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002) vs Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

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

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002)Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
DistilleryPort EllenHibiki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV59.4%43%
Age24 yrNAS
Price£1999£1200
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner70/100
Value4/100

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition is better value at £1200 vs £1999.

For beginners: Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1200)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1999)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodSherried

Only Port Ellen 24 Year Old 1978 - 2nd Release (Special Release 2002)

SmokeyLeathery

Only Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

HoneyMalt ExtractFragant

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