Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) vs Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

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

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53%68.2%
Age12 yr8 yr
Price£49.95£65.84
Rating5.00/5

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner40/100
Value76/100

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) is better value at £50 vs £66.

For beginners: Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £65.84)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (68.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£65.84 vs £49.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Islay 12 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.

Who should buy Tobermory?

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) 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

Sherried

Only Secret Islay 12 Year Old 2012 (North Star Spirits)

SmokeyCooked Fruit

Only Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

HoneyDried FruitVanillaToasted

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