Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£68
Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£50
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | North Star Spirits |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 58.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £68.12 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Quick verdict
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) is better value at £50 vs £68.
For beginners: Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
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 (£68.12 vs £49.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £68.12)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) 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 Secret?
Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Only Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)