Midleton Very Rare 2021 vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare 2021Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryMidletonSpringbank
RegionCampbeltown
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%57.1%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£399£299
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2021

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value10/100

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

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

Midleton Very Rare 2021

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: Midleton Very Rare 2021 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 2021

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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)
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2021 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 Midleton Very Rare 2021

SherriedVanillaHoneyOld WoodCooked Fruit

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

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

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