Elijah Craig Straight Rye vs Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

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

Elijah Craig Straight RyeSecret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
DistilleryElijah CraigNorth Star Spirits
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV47%53%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£46.75£49.95
Rating5.00/5

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Elijah Craig Straight Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Elijah Craig Straight Rye is better value at £47 vs £50.

For beginners: Elijah Craig Straight Rye is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£46.75 vs £49.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £46.75)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Elijah?

Elijah Craig Straight Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Islay 12 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 Elijah Craig Straight Rye

ToastedVanillaHoneyNutty

Only Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokeyCooked FruitSherried

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