Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Hibiki
★ 4.67
£19500

Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky
Balvenie
£30000
| Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III | Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Balvenie |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Type | Blended | |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 35 yr | NAS |
| Price | £19500 | £30000 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | — |
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky
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 £30000.
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 £30000)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£30000 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside 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
Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Only Balvenie 1951 / 45 Year Old / Cask #1236 Speyside Whisky