Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005 vs Yamazaki 1984

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

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005Yamazaki 1984
DistilleryHibikiYamazaki
Region
CountryJapanJapan
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%48%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£999£899.95
Rating5.00/5

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005

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

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £999.

For beginners: Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Suntory?

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 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

Both taste of

VanillaSherried

Only Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005

HoneyDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki 1984

Old WoodToastedNutty

Where to buy

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old - Pre 2005

Yamazaki 1984

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