Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky vs Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

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

Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay WhiskyHibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
DistilleryBowmoreHibiki
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeBlended
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS35 yr
Price£15000£19500
Rating4.67/5

Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky is better value at £15000 vs £19500.

For beginners: Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£15000 vs £19500)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£19500 vs £15000)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III 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

Only Bowmore 1956 / Vintage Label / Bot.1980s Islay Whisky

SmokeyOilyLeatheryMedicinalDried Fruit

Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractSherried

Explore more