Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Glenburgie
£299
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenburgie | Springbank |
| Region | Speyside | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
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).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for 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 Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1985 (cask 71.30) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)