J.J. Corry The Sonas vs Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

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

J.J. Corry The SonasSecret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)
DistilleryJ.J. CorryNorth Star Spirits
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV50%58.2%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£62.95£49.95
Rating5.00/5

J.J. Corry The Sonas

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner75/100
Value79/100

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

J.J. Corry The Sonas

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

J.J. Corry The Sonas is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) is better value at £50 vs £63.

For beginners: J.J. Corry The Sonas is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

J.J. Corry The Sonas

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£62.95 vs £49.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £62.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy J.J.?

J.J. Corry The Sonas is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Island 13 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

Both taste of

Malt Extract

Only J.J. Corry The Sonas

VanillaHoneyOily

Only Secret Island 13 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokeyToasted

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