North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) vs Mac-Talla Strata
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
North British
£121
Mac-Talla Strata
Mac-Talla
★ 5.00
£81
| North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | Mac-Talla Strata | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | Mac-Talla |
| Region | Lowland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.4% | 46% |
| Age | 31 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £120.95 | £80.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Mac-Talla Strata
North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Mac-Talla Strata
Quick verdict
Mac-Talla Strata is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mac-Talla Strata is better value at £81 vs £121.
For beginners: Mac-Talla Strata is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 15 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£120.95 vs £80.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Mac-Talla Strata
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£80.95 vs £120.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy North?
North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) 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 Mac-Talla?
Mac-Talla Strata suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only North British 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 17662) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Only Mac-Talla Strata