Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistillerySpringbankDalmore
RegionCampbeltownHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%42%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£899£715
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £715 vs £899.

For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£899 vs £715)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky 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 Dalmore?

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Springbank 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 27.112) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

LeatherySmokeyTobaccoMedicinal

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaHoneyDried Fruit

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