Hibiki 17 Year Old vs Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

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

Hibiki 17 Year OldTalisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
DistilleryHibikiTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%45.8%
Age17 yr30 yr
Price£699£999
Rating4.75/5

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value7/100

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 17 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £999.

For beginners: Hibiki 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £999)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 17 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Only Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

Only Talisker 30 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryDried Fruit

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