Hakushu 18 Year Old vs Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Hakushu 18 Year Old | Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hakushu | Nikka |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £620.5 | £999 |
| Rating | 4.38/5 | — |
Hakushu 18 Year Old
Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish
Hakushu 18 Year Old
Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish
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: Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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
Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£999 vs £620.5)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Nikka?
Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish 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 Hakushu 18 Year Old
Only Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old - Madeira Cask Finish