Shirakawa 1958 vs Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Shirakawa 1958
Takara Shuzo
★ 5.00
£23495
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Midleton
£17700
| Shirakawa 1958 | Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Takara Shuzo | Midleton |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 49% | 53.1% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £23495 | £17700 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Shirakawa 1958
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Shirakawa 1958
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
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 (45/100 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
- +More affordable (£17700 vs £23495)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
- −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 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Shirakawa 1958
Only Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition