Midleton Very Rare 2016 vs Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare 2016Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
DistilleryMidletonTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%45.8%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£799£499
Rating4.91/55.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2016

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value6/100

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value10/100

Midleton Very Rare 2016

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is better value at £499 vs £799.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2016 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 2016

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£799 vs £499)
  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £799)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2016 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Only Midleton Very Rare 2016

VanillaHoneyToastedDried FruitSherried

Only Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryMedicinal

Explore more