Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star SpiritsCaol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.1%68.6%
Age31 yr17 yr
Price£116.95£164.95
Rating5.00/5

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value43/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is better value at £117 vs £165.

For beginners: Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£116.95 vs £164.95)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (68.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£164.95 vs £116.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Sirius?

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

VanillaNutty

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryKippery

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