Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

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

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
DistilleryBruichladdichSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.8%54.7%
Age29 yr9 yr
Price£370£399
Rating5.00/5

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £370 vs £399.

For beginners: Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£370 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 9 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £370)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Bruichladdich 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 164) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Cooked FruitToasted

Explore more