Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
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
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Aultmore
£250
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Aultmore |
| Region | Campbeltown | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 is more approachable (50/100 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 £250)
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — 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 SMWS?
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 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 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Only SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988