Hibiki 17 Year Old vs Yamazaki 18 Year Old

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

Hibiki 17 Year OldYamazaki 18 Year Old
DistilleryHibikiYamazaki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age17 yr18 yr
Price£699£589
Rating4.75/54.73/5

Hibiki 17 Year Old

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

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner60/100
Value8/100

Hibiki 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 17 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 4.73).

Yamazaki 18 Year Old is better value at £589 vs £699.

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
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£699 vs £589)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£589 vs £699)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 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 Hibiki 17 Year Old

HoneyVanillaFragantMalt Extract

Only Yamazaki 18 Year Old

SherriedSmokeyFresh FruitOld WoodToasted

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