Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - 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.

Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryStrathclydeSpringbank
RegionLowlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV45.7%57.1%
Age35 yr12 yr
Price£275.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

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

Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - 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).

Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £276 vs £299.

For beginners: Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£275.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 £275.95)

Who should buy Strathclyde?

Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland 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 Strathclyde 35 Year Old 1990 (cask 6444079) Oloroso Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodNuttyToasted

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Explore more