Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) vs Midleton Very Rare 2016

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

Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)Midleton Very Rare 2016
DistilleryBunnahabhainMidleton
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV41.4%40%
Age43 yrNAS
Price£1200£799
Rating4.91/5

Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Midleton Very Rare 2016

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

Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 2016

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Midleton Very Rare 2016 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).

Midleton Very Rare 2016 is better value at £799 vs £1200.

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

Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1200 vs £799)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Midleton Very Rare 2016

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£799 vs £1200)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Bunnahabhain 43 Year Old - Director’s Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Old WoodSmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Midleton Very Rare 2016

VanillaHoneyToastedDried FruitSherried

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