Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryBowmoreSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.1%57.1%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£350£299
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£299 vs £350)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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 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

Both taste of

SmokeyLeathery

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

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

OilyKipperyCooked Mash

Where to buy

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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

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