Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod)
Pittyvaich
£299

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pittyvaich | Springbank |
| Region | Speyside | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
Who should buy Pittyvaich?
Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod) 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 15 (2017 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Pittyvaich 14 Year Old 1986 (casks 9519 & 9522) - Chieftain's (Ian MacLeod)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)