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)
North British
★ 4.00
£26

BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
Benriach
★ 4.86
£32
| North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt) | BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | Benriach |
| Region | Lowland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £25.95 | £32.12 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 4.86/5 |
North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)
BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus
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)
Only BenRiach 12 Year Old Heredotus Fumosus