Bunnahabhain 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) vs Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Bunnahabhain 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)Hibiki 17 Year Old
DistilleryBunnahabhainHibiki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV47.9%43%
Age42 yr17 yr
Price£1015.76£699
Rating4.75/5

Bunnahabhain 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

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

Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Bunnahabhain 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

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 £1016.

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

Bunnahabhain 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (42 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1015.76 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 £1015.76)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) 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 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12145) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

SmokeySherriedOld WoodLeatheryDried Fruit

Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

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