Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
DistillerySpringbankLinkwood
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%40%
Age12 yr17 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

Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is more approachable (70/100 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)

Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Only Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)

Old WoodSherriedMalt ExtractNuttyToasted

Explore more