Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)
DistillerySpringbankGlen Elgin
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%54.8%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£299£250
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) 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 £250)

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — 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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017) 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 Glen Elgin 18 Year Old 1998 (Special Release 2017)

YeastyMalt ExtractHoneyFresh FruitToasted

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