Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldMidleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey
DistilleryHibikiMidleton
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeBlendedIrish
ABV43%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£750£700
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey is better value at £700 vs £750.

For beginners: Hibiki 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£750 vs £700)

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£700 vs £750)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 21 Year Old 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 Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Irish character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyVanillaDried Fruit

Only Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2016 Blended Irish Whiskey

SherriedToasted

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