Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970sMidleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerMidleton
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlendedSingle Pot Still
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNASNAS
Price£199£270
Rating5.00/5

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is better value at £199 vs £270.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £270)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£270 vs £199)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoney

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

ToastedMalt Extract

Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

New WoodFresh Fruit

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