Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits vs Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
North Star Spirits
★ 5.00
£117
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Balmenach
£117
| Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits | Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | Balmenach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.1% | 61.9% |
| Age | 31 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £116.95 | £116.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £117 vs £117.
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)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 14 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.9%) — may need water
- −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 Balmenach?
Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Only Balmenach 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 18603404) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)