Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Glengoyne
£495
| Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Glengoyne |
| Region | Campbeltown | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.2% | 55.6% |
| Age | 21 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £599.95 | £495 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Quick verdict
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 is better value at £495 vs £600.
For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£599.95 vs £495)
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Pros
- +More affordable (£495 vs £599.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
- −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 SMWS?
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996