Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank SocietyTomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
DistillerySpringbankTomintoul
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%53.9%
Age8 yr31 yr
Price£250£223.7
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is better value at £224 vs £250.

For beginners: Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £223.7)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£223.7 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society 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 Tomintoul?

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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.

Tasting notes

Only Springbank 8 Year Old 2017 - Springbank Society

SherriedCooked FruitLeatheryTobaccoOily

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

Explore more