Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III vs Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Hibiki
★ 4.67
£19500

Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Midleton
£17700
| Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III | Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Midleton |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | Ireland |
| Type | Blended | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 53.1% |
| Age | 35 yr | NAS |
| Price | £19500 | £17700 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | — |
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Quick verdict
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition is better value at £17700 vs £19500.
For beginners: Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£19500 vs £17700)
Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition
Pros
- +More affordable (£17700 vs £19500)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III 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 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition 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 35 Year Old by Tokuda Yasokichi III
Only Midleton Very Rare 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition