Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky) vs Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)Hibiki 17 Year Old
DistilleryBunnahabhainHibiki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV46.7%43%
Age40 yr17 yr
Price£1035.83£699
Rating4.75/5

Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value7/100

Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 17 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £1036.

For beginners: Hibiki 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1035.83 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £1035.83)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky) 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 17 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Bunnahabhain 40 Year Old 1979 (cask 6508) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

Old WoodSherriedSmokeyDried FruitLeathery

Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

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