Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.1%57.1%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating4.71/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value16/100

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

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

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 4.71).

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

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) 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.

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

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

CitricMedicinal

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

LeatheryKipperyCooked Mash

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

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

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