SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985 vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985
Glenburgie
£250
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985 | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenburgie | Springbank |
| Region | Speyside | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.7% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985 is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985
Pros
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985 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 Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only SMWS 71.32 20 Year Old 1985
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)