Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
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
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.07
£275
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | Campbeltown | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 56.5% | 45.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £275 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.07/5 |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.07).
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is better value at £275 vs £299.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old 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
- −More expensive (£299 vs £275)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£275 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 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 Pappy?
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old 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 Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old