Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits) vs Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.3%45.7%
Age15 yr8 yr
Price£49.95£54.95
Rating5.00/5

Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner65/100
Value91/100

Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits) is better value at £50 vs £55.

For beginners: Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £54.95)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£54.95 vs £49.95)

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (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 Single?

Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Secret Speyside 15 Year Old 2009 (North Star Spirits)

SherriedDried FruitNuttyChocolate

Only Single Malt Irish Whiskey 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

YeastyMalt ExtractHoney

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