SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)

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

SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
DistilleryAultmoreSpringbank
RegionSpeysideCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%56.5%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988

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).

SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • 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
  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 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.

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 SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988

Fresh FruitHoneyCitricVanilla

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

SherriedChocolateSmokeyTobaccoOily

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