Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - 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)Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistillerySpringbankBladnoch
RegionCampbeltownLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%52.3%
Age12 yr28 yr
Price£299£262.18
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - 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).

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £262 vs £299.

For beginners: Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 £262.18)

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£262.18 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.3%) — 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 Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - 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 Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

VanillaFresh FruitHoneyOld WoodToasted

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