Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Black Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky

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

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi IIIBlack Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky
DistilleryHibikiBowmore
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended
ABV43%40%
Age35 yrNAS
Price£19500£25000
Rating4.67/5

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Black Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Black Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is better value at £19500 vs £25000.

For beginners: Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£19500 vs £25000)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Black Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£25000 vs £19500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Black?

Black Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Black Bowmore 1964 / 29 Year Old / 1st Edition Islay Whisky

SmokeyDried FruitLeatheryOld Wood

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