Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) vs Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£300

Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky
Clynelish
£450
| Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Clynelish |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Pot Still | |
| ABV | 58.2% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £300 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £300 vs £450.
For beginners: Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£300 vs £450)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £300)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland 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 Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Only Clynelish 1996 / 21 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange Highland Whisky