Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl) vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

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

Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s
DistillerySpringbankJohnnie Walker
RegionCampbeltownOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV55.7%40%
Age20 yrNAS
Price£299£199
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is better value at £199 vs £299.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £199)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £299)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl) 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.

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)

Cooked FruitDried FruitSherriedLeathery

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

VanillaToastedMalt Extract

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