Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018 vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

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

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
DistilleryLagavulinMidleton
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV53.9%58.2%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£499£300
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £300 vs £499.

For beginners: Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £300)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018 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.

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

Only Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

SmokeyFresh FruitCooked FruitSherriedOily

Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

New WoodVanillaToastedCooked Mash

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