Midleton Very Rare 1996 vs Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

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

Midleton Very Rare 1996Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition
DistilleryMidletonHibiki
Region
CountryIrelandJapan
TypeBlendedBlended
ABV40%43%
AgeNASNAS
Price£1200£1200
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 1996

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

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

Midleton Very Rare 1996

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 £1200.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1996 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 1996

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 1996 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

SherriedOld Wood

Only Midleton Very Rare 1996

VanillaChocolateDried Fruit

Only Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

HoneyMalt ExtractFragant

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