Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Hakushu
£950
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Hakushu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 60.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £599 | £949.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £950.
For beginners: Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £949.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
Cons
- −High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£949.95 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 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 Hakushu?
Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)