Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release)
McConnell's
£265
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) | McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | McConnell's |
| Region | Campbeltown | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.1% | 51.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £265 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release) is better value at £265 vs £299.
For beginners: McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release) 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 £265)
McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release)
Pros
- +More affordable (£265 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — 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 McConnell’s?
McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 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.
Tasting notes
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Only McConnell’s 20 Year Old (cask 4540) - The Old Cromac Collection (2024 Release)