Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistillerySpringbankPort Ellen
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.2%47.5%
Age21 yr33 yr
Price£799.95£999.95
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £800 vs £1000.

For beginners: Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£799.95 vs £999.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £799.95)

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

LeatheryDried Fruit

Only Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedTobaccoOily

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalOld Wood

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