Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Springbank
★ 4.00
£291
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Springbank |
| Region | Campbeltown | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 56.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £291.25 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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 4.00).
Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £291 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£291.25 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 £291.25)
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (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 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
Both taste of
Only Springbank 17 Year Old 1996 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)