Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Berry Bros. & Rudd
£91
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£58
| Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Berry Bros. & Rudd | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 50.3% |
| Age | 16 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £91.34 | £57.55 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is better value at £58 vs £91.
For beginners: Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£91.34 vs £57.55)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£57.55 vs £91.34)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 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
Both taste of
Only Islay Reserve Blend (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)