Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
DistillerySpringbankThompson Bros.
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%51.3%
Age12 yr31 yr
Price£299£215
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £215 vs £299.

For beginners: Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (45/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £215)

Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£215 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Speyside?

Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) 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 Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Only Speyside 31 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedDried Fruit

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