Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021) vs Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021)Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
DistilleryAkkeshiCardhu
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV48%56%
AgeNAS11 yr
Price£135£83.9
Rating5.00/5

Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value60/100

Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £135.

For beginners: Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£135 vs £83.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £135)

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water

Who should buy Akkeshi?

Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Cardhu?

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt ExtractFresh FruitVanilla

Only Akkeshi Shosho Blended Whisky (bottled 2021)

ToastedCitric

Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

HoneyNew Wood

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