Ardbeg 17 Year Old vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 17 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 4.54
£399
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Ardbeg 17 Year Old | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.54/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 17 Year Old
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Ardbeg 17 Year Old
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.54).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Ardbeg 17 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 17 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 affordable (£299 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 17 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 17 Year Old
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Where to buy
Ardbeg 17 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange