North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) vs Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)

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

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)
DistilleryNorth of ScotlandAdelphi
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV50.6%51.9%
Age37 yr12 yr
Price£103.47£110
Rating5.00/5

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value48/100

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is better value at £103 vs £110.

For beginners: North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£103.47 vs £110)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£110 vs £103.47)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy North?

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) 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.

Who should buy Breath?

Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi) 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

Oily

Only North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodVanillaHoneyNutty

Only Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

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