Midleton Very Rare 1996 vs Yamazaki 1984

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

Midleton Very Rare 1996Yamazaki 1984
DistilleryMidletonYamazaki
Region
CountryIrelandJapan
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNASNAS
Price£1200£899.95
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 1996

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Midleton Very Rare 1996

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £1200.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1996 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 1996

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1200 vs £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £1200)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 1996 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedVanillaOld Wood

Only Midleton Very Rare 1996

ChocolateDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki 1984

ToastedNutty

Explore more