Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery ExclusiveSpringbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryDalmoreSpringbank
RegionHighlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52%48.2%
Age17 yr21 yr
Price£499£599.95
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

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

Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive

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).

Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive is better value at £499 vs £600.

For beginners: Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 17 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £499)

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Old Wood

Only Dalmore 17 Year Old 2000 Merlot Barrique Finish - Distillery Exclusive

SherriedCooked FruitVanillaHoney

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

SmokeyLeatheryToastedMedicinal

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