Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) vs New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMaster of MaltNew York Distilling Company
Region
CountryIrelandAmerica
TypeGrainRye
ABV60%55.6%
Age8 yr3 yr
Price£39.95£39.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £40.

For beginners: New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (60%) — may need water

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy New?

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Vanilla

Only Secret Irish Grain 8 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractFresh FruitYeasty

Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

ToastedTobaccoNew WoodHoney

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