Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
DistilleryGlenAllachieNorth Star Spirits
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV54.6%43.1%
Age23 yr31 yr
Price£140.24£116.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value43/100

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £140.

For beginners: Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£140.24 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 £140.24)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 23 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glenallachie?

Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Old Wood

Only Glenallachie 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 5252) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateHoney

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

VanillaNutty

Explore more