Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory) vs Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)Hibiki 17 Year Old
DistilleryBunnahabhainHibiki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV42.6%43%
Age45 yr17 yr
Price£1150£699
Rating4.75/5

Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

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

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value7/100

Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 17 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £1150.

For beginners: Hibiki 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (45 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1150 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 £1150)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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 Bunnahabhain 45 Year Old 1978 (cask 2588) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

SherriedSmokeyOld WoodDried FruitLeathery

Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

Explore more