Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo vs Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

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

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja BaroloLongrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish
DistillerySpringbankSpringbank
RegionCampbeltownCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%55.9%
Age9 yr11 yr
Price£399£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

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

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value17/100

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish is better value at £299 vs £399.

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

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (11 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

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.

Who should buy Longrow?

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish 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

Cooked Fruit

Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

SherriedToastedDried Fruit

Only Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Cabernet Franc Cask Finish

SmokeyLeatheryOilyMedicinal

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