Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) vs New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£50
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
New York Distilling Company
★ 5.00
£40
| Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) | New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | New York Distilling Company |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 53% | 55.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 3 yr |
| Price | £49.95 | £39.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £50.
For beginners: New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 3 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£49.95 vs £39.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£39.95 vs £49.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
- −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 New?
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)