Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)
DistillerySpringbankLagavulin
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%56.4%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008) is better value at £299 vs £299.

For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter 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.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKippery

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

Cooked Mash

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)

Medicinal

Where to buy

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)

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