Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky) vs Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)Hibiki 21 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreHibiki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV54.8%43%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£683.71£750
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky) is better value at £684 vs £750.

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

Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£683.71 vs £750)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • 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 £683.71)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

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

Only Bowmore 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 102) - Artist #12 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokeySherriedChocolateToasted

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

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