Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistillerySpeyburnSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.1%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£215.64£299
Rating5.00/5

Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness62/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

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

Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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).

Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £216 vs £299.

For beginners: Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£215.64 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £215.64)

Who should buy Speyburn?

Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 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 Speyburn 28 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/022) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

HoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodDried Fruit

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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