Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
DistillerySpringbankRosebank
RegionCampbeltownLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.2%53.8%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£599.95£999
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value5/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £600 vs £999.

For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£599.95 vs £999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£999 vs £599.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Rosebank?

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011) 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 Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryToastedMedicinal

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

Fresh FruitHoneyVegetativeVanilla

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