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 Reserva
The Macallan
£762

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600
| The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva | Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45.6% | 48.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £761.95 | £599.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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
Only The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange