Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
DistillerySpringbankGlengoyne
RegionCampbeltownHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%55.6%
Age12 yr8 yr
Price£299£495
Rating5.00/5

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

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

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £495.

For beginners: SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 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 affordable (£299 vs £495)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£495 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 SMWS?

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 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 SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyMalt ExtractVanilla

Where to buy

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

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Explore more