Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank Society vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

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

Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank SocietyLaphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
DistillerySpringbankLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.3%48.9%
Age8 yr25 yr
Price£450£399
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank Society

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank Society

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £450.

For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank Society

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£450 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £450)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank Society 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.

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedSmokey

Only Springbank 8 Year Old 2012 - Springbank Society

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

MedicinalKipperyOily

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