Midleton Very Rare 2002 vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Midleton Very Rare 2002Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryMidletonStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£1500£1299
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2002

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Midleton Very Rare 2002

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1500.

For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 2002

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2002 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Strathisla?

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Honey

Only Midleton Very Rare 2002

Malt ExtractToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobacco

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