Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryArdmoreSpringbank
RegionHighlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%56.5%
Age30 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value20/100

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

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

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

Old WoodVanillaHoneyToastedNutty

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

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

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