Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011) vs Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011)
Caol Ila
£150

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
North Star Spirits
★ 5.00
£117
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011) | Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | North Star Spirits |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 64% | 43.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £150 | £116.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011)
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011)
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).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (64%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 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 £150)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011) 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 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 Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2011)
Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits