Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryArdbegHakushu
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%60.7%
Age24 yr21 yr
Price£724.95£949.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 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 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 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 £724.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaChocolateNutty

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