Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits
DistillerySpringbankGlenrothes
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%44.1%
Age12 yr36 yr
Price£299£475.29
Rating5.00/5

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

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

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

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 £475.

For beginners: The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

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 £475.29)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£475.29 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 The?

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Only The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitHoneyTobacco

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