Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor) vs Hibiki 17 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Bowmore
£816
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 4.75
£699
| Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor) | Hibiki 17 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Hibiki |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 50.8% | 43% |
| Age | 42 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £815.95 | £699 |
| Rating | — | 4.75/5 |
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Quick verdict
Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 0.00).
Hibiki 17 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £816.
For beginners: Hibiki 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£815.95 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 £815.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor) 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 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 Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)
Only Hibiki 17 Year Old