Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryCragganmoreSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.6%57.1%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£309.18£299
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £309.

For beginners: Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£309.18 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£299 vs £309.18)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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

Only Cragganmore 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 4216173) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Malt ExtractHoneyOld WoodToastedNutty

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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