Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryTomatinSpringbank
RegionHighlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.1%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£350£299
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner75/100
Value11/100

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

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

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

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 4.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 affordable (£299 vs £350)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Tomatin?

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

Old WoodSherriedVanillaDried FruitTobacco

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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