Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) vs Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
DistilleryDarknessNorth Star Spirits
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.7%43.1%
Age13 yr31 yr
Price£84.95£116.95
Rating5.00/5

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

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).

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £85 vs £117.

For beginners: Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £116.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 13 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£116.95 vs £84.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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

Only Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedSmokeyToastedDried FruitHoney

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

Old WoodVanillaNutty

Explore more