Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) vs Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky

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

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky
DistilleryMidletonBowmore
Region
CountryIrelandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Pot Still
ABV58.2%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£300£450
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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: Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 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

Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +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 Single?

Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky 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.

Tasting notes

Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

New WoodVanillaToastedCooked Mash

Only Single Islay Malt (Bowmore) / 5 Year Old / Morrison / Bot.1990s Islay Whisky

SmokeyHoneyDried FruitLeathery

Explore more