Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Midleton Very Rare 1985

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldMidleton Very Rare 1985
DistilleryGlenfarclasMidleton
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV43%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1275£1999
Rating5.00/53.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Midleton Very Rare 1985

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 1985

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1999.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 40 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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Very Rare 1985

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1275)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 40 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 1985 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

HoneyChocolate

Only Midleton Very Rare 1985

VanillaToasted

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