Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki 21 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£750

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask
Port Ellen
£995
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Port Ellen |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 21 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £750 | £995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Hibiki 21 Year Old is better value at £750 vs £995.
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
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£995 vs £750)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Port?
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Hibiki 21 Year Old
Only Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/589/47) - First Cask