Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryDalmoreSpringbank
RegionHighlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£300£299
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value17/100

Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is better value at £299 vs £300.

For beginners: Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£300 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedChocolate

Only Dalmore 18 Year Old (2023 Edition)

CitricDried FruitVanilla

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SmokeyTobaccoOily

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