Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.1%57.1%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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 £299.

For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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

SmokeyKipperyLeathery

Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

MedicinalToasted

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

OilyCooked Mash

Where to buy

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Explore more