Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Yamazaki 1984

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

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Yamazaki 1984
DistilleryHakushuYamazaki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.7%48%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£949.95£899.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £950.

For beginners: Yamazaki 1984 is more approachable (55/100 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 £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £949.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 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

Both taste of

Old WoodVanillaNutty

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

HoneyChocolate

Only Yamazaki 1984

ToastedSherried

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