Hakushu 18 Year Old vs Midleton Very Rare 2000

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

Hakushu 18 Year OldMidleton Very Rare 2000
DistilleryHakushuMidleton
Region
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV43%40%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£620.5£999
Rating4.38/5

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner55/100
Value7/100

Midleton Very Rare 2000

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 2000

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu 18 Year Old is rated higher (4.38 vs 0.00).

Hakushu 18 Year Old is better value at £621 vs £999.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2000 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.4/5)
  • +More affordable (£620.5 vs £999)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Very Rare 2000

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £620.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2000 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 Hakushu 18 Year Old

FragantMalt ExtractFresh FruitSmokeyGreen-House

Only Midleton Very Rare 2000

SherriedHoneyVanillaOld Wood

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