Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits vs Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

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

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star SpiritsIslay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsDarkness
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.1%57.7%
Age31 yr13 yr
Price£116.95£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £85 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 13 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£116.95 vs £84.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £116.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — 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 Islay?

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

Old WoodVanillaNutty

Only Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedSmokeyToastedDried FruitHoney

Explore more