Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryDouglas LaingSpringbank
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%56.5%
Age40 yr12 yr
Price£399.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

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

Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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 £400.

For beginners: Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399.95 vs £299)
  • 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 Probably?

Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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 Probably Speyside's Finest Distillery 40 Year Old 1968 (cask 5047) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

HoneyVanillaOld WoodNuttyToasted

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

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

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