Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Laphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release)

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldLaphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release)
DistilleryHibikiLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%44.4%
Age21 yr28 yr
Price£750£999
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Laphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release)

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 £999.

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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Laphroaig 28 Year Old (2018 Release)

SmokeySherriedOld WoodMedicinalLeathery

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