Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Hakushu 18 Year Old

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

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)Hakushu 18 Year Old
DistilleryDalmoreHakushu
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV42%43%
Age25 yr18 yr
Price£715£620.5
Rating5.00/54.38/5

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner55/100
Value7/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).

Hakushu 18 Year Old is better value at £621 vs £715.

For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£715 vs £620.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£620.5 vs £715)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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.

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaOld WoodHoneyDried Fruit

Only Hakushu 18 Year Old

FragantMalt ExtractFresh FruitSmokeyGreen-House

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