Midleton Very Rare 2008 vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Very Rare 2008
Midleton
★ 5.00
£1200
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Midleton Very Rare 2008 | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Strathisla |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 40 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £1299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Midleton Very Rare 2008
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Midleton Very Rare 2008
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Midleton Very Rare 2008 is better value at £1200 vs £1299.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 2008
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1200 vs £1299)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1299 vs £1200)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2008 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
Only Midleton Very Rare 2008
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)