Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£50
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
★ 5.00
£43
| Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) | TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | Thompson Bros. |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 53% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £49.95 | £42.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £50.
For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£49.95 vs £42.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£42.95 vs £49.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) 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.
Who should buy TB/BSW?
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)