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)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s
Suntory
★ 4.50
£240
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) | Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Suntory |
| Region | Campbeltown | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 57.1% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £240 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s
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)
Only Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s