Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Highland Park 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited)

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldHighland Park 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited)
DistilleryHibikiHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%49.1%
Age21 yr33 yr
Price£750£798.95
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Highland Park 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Hibiki 21 Year Old is better value at £750 vs £799.

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Highland Park 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£798.95 vs £750)
  • 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 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited) 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

Dried Fruit

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanilla

Only Highland Park 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 3004) (Limited)

Old WoodSherriedTobaccoLeathery

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