Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits vs SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
North Star Spirits
★ 5.00
£117
SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005
Highland Park
£150
| Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits | SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.1% | 58% |
| Age | 31 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £116.95 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005
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 £150.
For beginners: Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£116.95 vs £150)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 13 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 vs £116.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005 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
Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits
Only SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005