Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Talisker 30 Year Old

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

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Talisker 30 Year Old
DistilleryHakushuTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.7%48.5%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£949.95£829.95
Rating5.00/5

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Talisker 30 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value6/100

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Talisker 30 Year Old is better value at £830 vs £950.

For beginners: Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£949.95 vs £829.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Talisker 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£829.95 vs £949.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Talisker?

Talisker 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

HoneyVanillaChocolateNutty

Only Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitOilyLeathery

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