Shirakawa 1958 vs Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition

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

Shirakawa 1958Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition
DistilleryTakara ShuzoMidleton
Region
CountryJapanUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle MaltIrish
ABV49%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£23495£17700
Rating5.00/5

Shirakawa 1958

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Shirakawa 1958

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Shirakawa 1958 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition is better value at £17700 vs £23495.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Shirakawa 1958

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£23495 vs £17700)

Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£17700 vs £23495)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Shirakawa?

Shirakawa 1958 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 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition 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

Old Wood

Only Shirakawa 1958

SmokeyToastedLeatheryMedicinal

Only Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary / Ruby Edition

SherriedVanillaCooked Mash

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