Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Hibiki 21 Year Old
DistilleryBanffHibiki
Region
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV40%43%
Age13 yr21 yr
Price£599£750
Rating5.00/5

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £599 vs £750.

For beginners: Hibiki 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £750)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£750 vs £599)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Banff?

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 21 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodNutty

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanilla

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