Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Midleton Very Rare 1985
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Glenfarclas 40 Year Old | Midleton Very Rare 1985 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Midleton |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 40 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1275 | £1999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Midleton Very Rare 1985
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Midleton Very Rare 1985
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
Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Only Midleton Very Rare 1985

