Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva
DistillerySpringbankThe Macallan
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.2%45.6%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£599.95£761.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £600 vs £762.

For beginners: The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

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)
  • +More affordable (£599.95 vs £761.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£761.95 vs £599.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyLeatheryToastedMedicinal

Only The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

SherriedChocolateDried FruitVanilla

Where to buy

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

The Macallan 12 Year Old Gran Reserva

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