Midleton Very Rare 2005 vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Midleton Very Rare 2005
Midleton
★ 5.00
£1200

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
| Midleton Very Rare 2005 | Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 48.1% |
| Age | NAS | 24 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £724.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £1200.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2005 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1200 vs £724.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£724.95 vs £1200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Midleton Very Rare 2005
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)