North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) vs BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

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

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
DistilleryNorth BritishBenriach
RegionLowlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£25.95£32.12
Rating4.00/54.86/5

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus is rated higher (4.86 vs 4.00).

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is better value at £26 vs £32.

For beginners: North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£25.95 vs £32.12)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 4.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£32.12 vs £25.95)

Who should buy North?

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractVanillaOilyToastedHoney

Only BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus

SmokeySherriedDried FruitChocolate

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