SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990 vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryLittlemillSpringbank
RegionLowlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%57.1%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£425£299
Rating5.00/5

SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990

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 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £425.

For beginners: SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£425 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £425)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990 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 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 SMWS 97.21 21 Year Old 1990

YeastyMalt ExtractHoneyOld WoodToasted

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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