The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran ReservaSpringbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryThe MacallanSpringbank
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.6%48.2%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£761.95£599.95
Rating5.00/5

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

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).

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £600 vs £762.

For beginners: The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£761.95 vs £599.95)
  • 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 affordable (£599.95 vs £761.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva 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 Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

SherriedChocolateDried FruitVanilla

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

SmokeyLeatheryToastedMedicinal

Where to buy

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

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

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