Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

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

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star SpiritsMidleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsMidleton
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV43.1%56.3%
Age31 yrNAS
Price£116.95£185.86
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value27/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is better value at £117 vs £186.

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
  • +More affordable (£116.95 vs £185.86)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£185.86 vs £116.95)

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 Midleton?

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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

Vanilla

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

Old WoodNutty

Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

New WoodMalt ExtractCooked Fruit

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