Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.1%
Age23 yr12 yr
Price£341.55£299
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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 £342.

For beginners: Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£341.55 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £341.55)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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

SmokeyOilyLeathery

Only Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Medicinal

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

KipperyCooked Mash

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