Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£750
Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Highland Park
£1200
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £750 | £1200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Hibiki 21 Year Old is better value at £750 vs £1200.
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 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1200 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 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 21 Year Old
Only Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)