Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
DistilleryTobermoryNorth Star Spirits
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.1%43.1%
Age18 yr31 yr
Price£117.95£116.95
Rating5.00/5

Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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 £118.

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

Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£117.95 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 £117.95)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 800065) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyDried FruitSherried

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

VanillaNutty

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