Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%) vs Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£300
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Barton Brands
★ 5.00
£180
| Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%) | Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Barton Brands |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 52.6% | 43% |
| Age | 31 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299.95 | £180 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Quick verdict
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £300.
For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299.95 vs £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£180 vs £299.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Secret?
Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%) 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 Barton's?
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s 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.
Tasting notes
Only Secret Islay Distillery 31 Year Old 1990 Single Cask (Master of Malt) (52.6%)
Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s