Bowmore 30 Year Old (2022 Release) vs Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Bowmore 30 Year Old (2022 Release)Hibiki 21 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreHibiki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV45.3%43%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£1200£750
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 30 Year Old (2022 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Bowmore 30 Year Old (2022 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Hibiki 21 Year Old is better value at £750 vs £1200.

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

Bowmore 30 Year Old (2022 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1200 vs £750)
  • 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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 30 Year Old (2022 Release) 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 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 30 Year Old (2022 Release)

SmokeySherriedCooked Fruit

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Explore more