Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) vs Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

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

Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)
DistillerySpringbankTalisker
RegionCampbeltownIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.2%45.8%
Age23 yr25 yr
Price£384.95£499
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value10/100

Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) is better value at £385 vs £499.

For beginners: Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£384.95 vs £499)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £384.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) 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 Talisker?

Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

LeatheryOld Wood

Only Springbank 23 Year Old 1995 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)

SherriedTobacco

Only Talisker 25 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokeyMedicinal

Explore more