Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki 21 Year Old
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£750

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
Rosebank
★ 5.00
£999
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Rosebank |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 53.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £750 | £999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
Hibiki 21 Year Old
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
Quick verdict
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
- +More affordable (£750 vs £999)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£999 vs £750)
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 Rosebank?
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 21 Year Old
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)