Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Midleton Very Rare 2005
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Midleton
★ 5.00
£1200
| Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | Midleton Very Rare 2005 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Midleton |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 48.1% | 40% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £999 | £1200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Quick verdict
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £999 vs £1200.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2005 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Midleton Very Rare 2005
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1200 vs £999)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2005 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
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Only Midleton Very Rare 2005