Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldPort Ellen 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
DistilleryHibikiPort Ellen
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended
ABV43%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£750£1200
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

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

Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

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 £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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1200 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 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOld Wood

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