Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Grant
£242
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | Springbank |
| Region | Speyside | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £242.03 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £242 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£242.03 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
- −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
- −More expensive (£299 vs £242.03)
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 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
Only Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1985 (cask 11009) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)