Yamazaki 1984 vs Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey

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

Yamazaki 1984Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey
DistilleryYamazakiMidleton
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle MaltIrish
ABV48%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£899.95£1350
Rating5.00/5

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £1350.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £1350)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1350 vs £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 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 / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey 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

Both taste of

Old WoodVanillaToasted

Only Yamazaki 1984

NuttySherried

Only Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1997 Blended Irish Whiskey

Honey

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