The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star SpiritsSpringbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlenrothesSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.1%48.2%
Age36 yr21 yr
Price£475.29£599.95
Rating5.00/5

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits is better value at £475 vs £600.

For beginners: The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£475.29 vs £599.95)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £475.29)

Who should buy The?

The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (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 Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only The Glenrothes 36 Year Old 1986- North Star Spirits

SherriedDried FruitHoneyTobacco

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryToastedMedicinal

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