Midleton Very Rare 2003 vs Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

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

Midleton Very Rare 2003Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
DistilleryMidletonHibiki
Region
CountryIrelandJapan
TypeBlendedBlended
ABV40%43%
AgeNASNAS
Price£1999£1200
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2003

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner70/100
Value4/100

Midleton Very Rare 2003

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition is better value at £1200 vs £1999.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2003 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 2003

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1200)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1999)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2003 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 Hibiki?

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition 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

HoneySherriedMalt Extract

Only Midleton Very Rare 2003

Vanilla

Only Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

FragantOld Wood

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