Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

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

Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky CompanySpringbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
DistilleryThe Character of Islay Whisky CompanySpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%54.7%
Age25 yr9 yr
Price£299.95£399
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

Smoke65/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is better value at £300 vs £399.

For beginners: Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£299.95 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £299.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Grace?

Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Grace Île 25 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company

SmokeyKipperyOld Wood

Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Cooked FruitToastedDried Fruit

Explore more