Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) vs Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
DistillerySpringbankHighland Park
RegionCampbeltownIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%54.6%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £299 vs £299.

For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 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

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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

Both taste of

SherriedSmokey

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

ChocolateTobaccoOily

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 1988 (cask 878) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Old WoodFresh FruitHay-like

Explore more