Chichibu US Edition 2023 vs Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Chichibu US Edition 2023Hibiki 21 Year Old
DistilleryChichibuHibiki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV53.5%43%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£599£750
Rating5.00/5

Chichibu US Edition 2023

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Chichibu US Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Chichibu US Edition 2023 is better value at £599 vs £750.

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

Chichibu US Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £750)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — 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 £599)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Chichibu?

Chichibu US Edition 2023 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 Chichibu US Edition 2023

SherriedSmokeyToastedFresh FruitNew Wood

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Explore more