BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 SauternesSpringbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryBenriachSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%57.1%
Age34 yr12 yr
Price£254.5£299
Rating5.00/5

BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes is better value at £255 vs £299.

For beginners: BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£254.5 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £254.5)

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes 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.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) 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

Only BenRiach 34 Year Old 1977 Sauternes

HoneyCooked FruitSherriedVanillaOld Wood

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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