Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 50.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £750 | £724.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167)
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167)
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167) is better value at £725 vs £750.
For beginners: Hibiki 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£750 vs £724.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£724.95 vs £750)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 21 Year Old 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.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 21 Year Old
Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 11167)