SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlengoyneSpringbank
RegionHighlandCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.6%48.2%
Age8 yr21 yr
Price£495£599.95
Rating5.00/5

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 is better value at £495 vs £600.

For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Pros

  • +More affordable (£495 vs £599.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £495)

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 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.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (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 Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Only SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyMalt ExtractVanilla

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryToastedMedicinal

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