Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.4%57.1%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value16/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) 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 Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) 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

SmokeyOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

Medicinal

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

LeatheryKipperyCooked Mash

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