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 2005Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMidletonArdbeg
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%48.1%
AgeNAS24 yr
Price£1200£724.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2005

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Midleton Very Rare 2005

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitOld WoodSherried

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

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