Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish WhiskeyStrathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryMidletonStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeIrishSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£1250£1299
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey is better value at £1250 vs £1299.

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

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1250 vs £1299)

Cons

  • 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

  • More expensive (£1299 vs £1250)

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Irish 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

HoneySherried

Only Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1996 Blended Irish Whiskey

VanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodDried FruitTobacco

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