Talisker 30 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.

Talisker 30 Year OldHakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryTaliskerHakushu
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%60.7%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£829.95£949.95
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 30 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value6/100

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

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

Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Talisker 30 Year Old is better value at £830 vs £950.

For beginners: Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Talisker 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£829.95 vs £949.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 £829.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitOilyLeathery

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

HoneyVanillaChocolateNutty

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