Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldMortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)
DistilleryHibikiMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%45.9%
Age21 yr38 yr
Price£750£779.5
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)

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 £780.

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

Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (38 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£779.5 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanilla

Only Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)

Old WoodTobaccoLeatheryNutty

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