Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate)
Caol Ila
£225
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £225 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate)
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).
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate) is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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
- −More expensive (£299 vs £225)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate) 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 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1990 (The Syndicate)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange