Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl) vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl)
Hibiki
★ 4.40
£499
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£300
| Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl) | Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Midleton |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Ireland |
| Type | Blended | Single Pot Still |
| ABV | 43% | 58.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £499 | £300 |
| Rating | 4.40/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.40).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £300 vs £499.
For beginners: Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£499 vs £300)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£300 vs £499)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl) 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 Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Hibiki 12 Year Old (50cl)
Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)