Port Askaig 30 Year Old vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

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

Port Askaig 30 Year OldSpringbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
DistilleryPort AskaigSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.8%54.7%
Age30 yr9 yr
Price£375£399
Rating5.00/5

Port Askaig 30 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Port Askaig 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Askaig 30 Year Old is better value at £375 vs £399.

For beginners: Port Askaig 30 Year Old is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Port Askaig 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£375 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £375)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Askaig 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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

Sherried

Only Port Askaig 30 Year Old

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo

Cooked FruitToastedDried Fruit

Explore more