Midleton Very Rare 2018 vs Talisker 30 Year Old

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

Midleton Very Rare 2018Talisker 30 Year Old
DistilleryMidletonTalisker
RegionIsland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%48.5%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£699£829.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Talisker 30 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value6/100

Midleton Very Rare 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Midleton Very Rare 2018 is better value at £699 vs £830.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2018 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 2018

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £829.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£829.95 vs £699)

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2018 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 Talisker?

Talisker 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Midleton Very Rare 2018

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Talisker 30 Year Old

SmokeyOld WoodOilyLeathery

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