WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World vs North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

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

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old WorldNorth British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
DistilleryWhistlePigNorth British
RegionLowland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeGrain
ABV43%44.4%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£124£170.39
Rating5.00/5

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value40/100

North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is better value at £124 vs £170.

For beginners: WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£170.39 vs £124)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy WhistlePig?

WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World 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 North?

North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyVanilla

Only WhistlePig 12 Year Old - Old World

SherriedDried Fruit

Only North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)

ToastedNuttyMalt Extract

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