Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Springbank
£500

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Springbank
★ 5.00
£399
| Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Springbank |
| Region | Campbeltown | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.5% | 54.7% |
| Age | 20 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £499.95 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Quick verdict
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is better value at £399 vs £500.
For beginners: Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 9 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£499.95 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £499.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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
Only Springbank 20 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo