Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistillerySpringbankBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%60.1%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£299£224.61
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (35/100 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 £224.61)

Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£224.61 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (60.1%) — 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 Braes?

Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18604801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodHoneyMalt ExtractNuttyDried Fruit

Explore more