Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L)
Jim Beam
£250
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jim Beam | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45% | 57.1% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L)
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).
Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
Who should buy Jim?
Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Jim Beam 8 Year Old Black Label 1980s (1.14L)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)