TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) vs Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

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

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
DistilleryThompson Bros.North Star Spirits
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV46%58.2%
Age6 yr12 yr
Price£42.95£49.95
Rating5.00/5

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £50.

For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £49.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £42.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Island 13 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.

Tasting notes

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

Only Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokeyToastedMalt Extract

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