Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits vs Willowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt)

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

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star SpiritsWillowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsWillowbank
Region
CountryScotlandNew Zealand
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV43.1%56.5%
Age31 yr18 yr
Price£116.95£159.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

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

Willowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value31/100

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Willowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits is better value at £117 vs £160.

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
  • +More affordable (£116.95 vs £159.95)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 18 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Willowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£159.95 vs £116.95)

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 Willowbank?

Willowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt) 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

Old Wood

Only Sirius 31 Year Old - North Star Spirits

VanillaNutty

Only Willowbank 18 Year Old (Master of Malt)

SherriedCooked FruitLeathery

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