Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes WoodSpringbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistillerySpringbankSpringbank
RegionCampbeltownCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%57.1%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£399£299
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value10/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

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 £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Hazelburn?

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood 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.

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 Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2002 - Sauternes Wood

SherriedHoneyVanillaCooked FruitOld Wood

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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