Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
DistillerySpringbankGlenrothes
RegionCampbeltownSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.2%47.5%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£599.95£495
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is better value at £495 vs £600.

For beginners: Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £495)

Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£495 vs £599.95)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodToasted

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitHoney

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