Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th AnniversarySpringbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryShinshuSpringbank
RegionCampbeltown
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.9%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/5

Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value17/100

Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is better value at £299 vs £299.

For beginners: Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water

Who should buy Mars?

Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary 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 15 (2017 Release) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Mars Shinshu 2013 (bottled 2016) (cask 1664) - Number One Drinks Company 10th Anniversary

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

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