Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) vs Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
North Star Spirits
£50

Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Elijah Craig
★ 5.00
£47
| Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) | Elijah Craig Straight Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | Elijah Craig |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 53% | 47% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £49.95 | £46.75 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Quick verdict
Elijah Craig Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Elijah Craig Straight Rye is better value at £47 vs £50.
For beginners: Elijah Craig Straight Rye is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£49.95 vs £46.75)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Elijah Craig Straight Rye
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£46.75 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 Elijah?
Elijah Craig Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Only Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
Only Elijah Craig Straight Rye