Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardmore
£282
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Ardmore |
| Region | Campbeltown | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 52% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £299 | £281.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £282 vs £299.
For beginners: Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £281.95)
Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£281.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) 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.
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Only Ardmore 28 Year Old 1994 (cask 10894) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)