Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryGlenburgieSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.4%56.5%
Age36 yr12 yr
Price£350.66£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value14/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value17/100

Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is better value at £299 vs £351.

For beginners: Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£350.66 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £350.66)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water

Who should buy Glenburgie?

Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Glenburgie 36 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Old WoodVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToasted

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

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