Blanton's Special Reserve vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blanton's Special Reserve
Blanton's
★ 4.38
£250
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Blanton's Special Reserve | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blanton's | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.38/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blanton's Special Reserve
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Blanton's Special Reserve
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).
Blanton's Special Reserve is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Blanton's Special Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
Who should buy Blanton's?
Blanton's Special Reserve 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 Blanton's Special Reserve
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)