Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum WoodThe Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistillerySpringbankThe Macallan
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.6%43%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood 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 The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedVanillaDried Fruit

Only Springbank 12 Year Old 1989 - Rum Wood

OilyOld Wood

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

ToastedHoney

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