Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star SpiritsLedaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlenrothesTobermory
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.6%51.7%
Age20 yr18 yr
Price£75.55£89.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner50/100
Value66/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits is better value at £76 vs £90.

For beginners: Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£75.55 vs £89.95)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £75.55)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - 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.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 - North Star Spirits

Old WoodHoneyDried FruitNuttyToasted

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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