Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) vs Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£300
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Lochnagar
★ 4.00
£295
| Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Lochnagar |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Pot Still | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.2% | 59.7% |
| Age | NAS | 23 yr |
| Price | £300 | £294.63 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts is better value at £295 vs £300.
For beginners: Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£300 vs £294.63)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£294.63 vs £300)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (59.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Only Royal Lochnagar 23 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts