Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£750
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Macallan
£599
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £750 | £599 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £599 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 £599)
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£599 vs £750)
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.2%) — 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 Macallan?
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Macallan 1997 (bottled 2024) (cask 4359) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)