Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted
DistillerySpringbankBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%56.4%
Age12 yr30 yr
Price£299£289.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value17/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted is better value at £290 vs £299.

For beginners: Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted is more approachable (50/100 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
  • More expensive (£299 vs £289.95)

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£289.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Braes?

Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted 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 Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Only Braes of Glenlivet 30 Year Old - Derestricted

SherriedHoneyDried FruitOld WoodTobacco

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