Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch WhiskyHibiki 17 Year Old
DistilleryLagavulinHibiki
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeBlended
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS17 yr
Price£1000£699
Rating4.75/5

Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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 £1000.

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

Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£1000 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 £1000)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Lagavulin 1980 Distillers Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeySherriedMedicinalDried FruitChocolate

Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

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