Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey
Midleton
£1250
| Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Midleton |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | Irish |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 40 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1299 | £1250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey is better value at £1250 vs £1299.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 (£1299 vs £1250)
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1250 vs £1299)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Strathisla?
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.1996 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
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey