Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
DistillerySpringbankMurray McDavid
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.1%47.5%
Age12 yr31 yr
Price£299£219.6
Rating5.00/5

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

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

The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £220 vs £299.

For beginners: The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (55/100 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 £219.6)

The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£219.6 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 The?

The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Only The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyToastedOld Wood

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