Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) vs Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Ardmore
£150

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
North Star Spirits
★ 5.00
£117
| Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) | Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | North Star Spirits |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 61% | 43.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £149.7 | £116.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Quick verdict
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is better value at £117 vs £150.
For beginners: Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (61%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£149.7 vs £116.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£116.95 vs £149.7)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) 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 Sirius?
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits