Hibiki 21 Year Old vs Midleton Very Rare 2018

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

Hibiki 21 Year OldMidleton Very Rare 2018
DistilleryHibikiMidleton
Region
CountryJapanIreland
TypeBlendedBlended
ABV43%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£750£699
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Midleton Very Rare 2018

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

Hibiki 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Midleton Very Rare 2018 is better value at £699 vs £750.

For beginners: Hibiki 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£750 vs £699)

Midleton Very Rare 2018

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £750)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki 21 Year Old 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 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

Both taste of

HoneyVanilla

Only Hibiki 21 Year Old

Dried Fruit

Only Midleton Very Rare 2018

Malt ExtractFresh Fruit

Explore more