Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle)

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

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle)
DistilleryPort EllenSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%46%
Age33 yr12 yr
Price£999.95£799
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle) is better value at £799 vs £1000.

For beginners: Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999.95 vs £799)

Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£799 vs £999.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

MedicinalDried Fruit

Only Springbank 12 Year Old - 1990s (Red Thistle)

Tobacco

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