Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release) vs Hakushu 18 Year Old

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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)Hakushu 18 Year Old
DistilleryEagle RareHakushu
Region
CountryAmericaJapan
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV50.5%43%
Age17 yr18 yr
Price£999£620.5
Rating4.38/5

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu 18 Year Old is rated higher (4.38 vs 0.00).

Hakushu 18 Year Old is better value at £621 vs £999.

For beginners: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£999 vs £620.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.4/5)
  • +More affordable (£620.5 vs £999)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Eagle?

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2023 Release)

Old WoodVanillaDried FruitSherriedTobacco

Only Hakushu 18 Year Old

FragantMalt ExtractFresh FruitSmokeyGreen-House

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