Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
North British
£306
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | North British |
| Region | Campbeltown | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £306.22 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 £306.
For beginners: North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (75/100 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
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£306.22 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 North?
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Only North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 18162) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)