Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021 vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58%48.2%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£499£599.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021 is better value at £499 vs £600.

For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £499)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021 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 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2021

Oily

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodToasted

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