Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac
DistillerySpringbankHermitage
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£411
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value17/100

Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is better value at £299 vs £411.

For beginners: Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac is more approachable (70/100 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

Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£411 vs £299)
  • 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 Hermitage?

Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

Only Hermitage 45 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

NuttyDried FruitToastedHoneyOld Wood

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