Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch WhiskySpringbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryBell'sSpringbank
RegionCampbeltown
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value17/100

Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • 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 Bell's?

Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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 Bell's Christmas 1988 Blended Scotch Whisky

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

Explore more