Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Glenrothes
£495
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenrothes | Springbank |
| Region | Speyside | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.5% | 57.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £495 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £495.
For beginners: Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£495 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £495)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
Who should buy Glenrothes?
Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) 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
Only Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 14056) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)