North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
North British
£80

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Scallywag
★ 5.00
£56
| North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | Scallywag |
| Region | Lowland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 54.8% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £79.95 | £56.25 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Quick verdict
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £80.
For beginners: North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£79.95 vs £56.25)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£56.25 vs £79.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy North?
North British 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) 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.
Who should buy Scallywag?
Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 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 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 14409) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023