Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Midleton Very Rare 2018

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Midleton Very Rare 2018
DistillerySpringbankMidleton
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV48.2%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599.95£699
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

Midleton Very Rare 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £600 vs £699.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2018 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£599.95 vs £699)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Very Rare 2018

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£699 vs £599.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2018 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.

Tasting notes

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryToastedMedicinal

Only Midleton Very Rare 2018

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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