Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

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

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi IIILaphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky
DistilleryHibikiLaphroaig
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended
ABV43%40%
Age35 yrNAS
Price£19500£15000
Rating4.67/5

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).

Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky is better value at £15000 vs £19500.

For beginners: Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£19500 vs £15000)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£15000 vs £19500)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Laphroaig 1974 / 31 Year Old / Sherry Cask Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryTobacco

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