Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) vs Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s
DistillerySpringbankSuntory
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV57.1%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£240
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value19/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s is better value at £240 vs £299.

For beginners: Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £240)

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£240 vs £299)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) 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 Suntory?

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyKipperyCooked Mash

Only Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractTobacco

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