Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:34 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the contrasts between Springbank 10 and Highland Park 12 in my comprehensive analysis so you choose your next whisky.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Springbank 10 vs Highland Park 12: Comparison
Springbank 10: A creamy and complex journey with oak, ripe fruit, and a smoky finish. Offers a balanced blend of malt, citrus, and caramel. Best enjoyed with a splash of water.
Highland Park 12: Sweet and approachable with floral and orange notes, followed by a smoky and oak finish. Ideal for those new to peaty whiskies, enhanced with water.
Verdict: Springbank 10 stands out for its unique production process and complex flavor profile, perfect for those seeking a distinctive, nuanced whisky. Highland Park 12 offers a gentle introduction to peat with its sweet and smoky characteristics, making it a great choice for newcomers to peated Scotch, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top 10-Year Single Malts
Springbank 10: A Complex & Smooth Journey for Whisky Enthusiasts
- Nose: Oak, baking spice, ripe fruit, honey, smoke
- Palate: Malt, citrus, berries, brine, marzipan
- Finish: Smoke, toasted barley, caramel
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Talisker 10
Aroma: Springbank 10 greets the nose with a blend of oaky notes, subtle hints of baking spices, ripe fruit, and a touch of honey, all intertwined with a wisp of smoke.
Taste & Texture: The first sip reveals a full-bodied and creamy texture, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel. The initial flavors of malt and citrus give way to hints of berries, brine, and marzipan, creating a complex and nuanced taste.
A Smoky, Sweet, & Satisfying Finish:
The finish lingers with subtle smoky notes, complemented by hints of toasted barley and caramel, creating a lasting and enjoyable experience.
Beyond Speyside, Beyond Islay:
Springbank 10 offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience with rich flavors and a subtle smoky hint, making it a more approachable option compared to bolder Islay expressions.
Additionally, it stands out from typical Speyside whiskies like Macallan by offering complex and exciting notes, creating a compelling middle ground between different whisky regions.
Unique Production & Price Consideration:
Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks for ten years, Springbank 10 remains uncolored and unfiltered.
Notably, this whisky undergoes a unique 2.5-time distillation process. Springbank, established in 1828, is a family-owned business that stands out for handling its entire production on-site, including floor malting the barley, aging, and bottling.
This unique approach contributes to the whisky’s character, but it’s worth noting this can be reflected in a slightly higher price point compared to other 10-year-old Scotches.
Highland Park 12: A Sweet & Smoky Introduction to Peat
- Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
- Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
- Finish: Long, oak, pepper
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Benromach 10
Aroma: Highland Park 12 opens with a delightful bouquet of floral notes, accompanied by zesty citrus and a touch of sweet honey.
Taste: The palate experiences a smooth and sweet sensation, featuring distinct flavors of cereal, orange, and green tea. Hints of smoke, iodine, and honey add subtle complexity, while the body maintains a lighter texture.
A Hint of Smoke, a Touch of Sweetness:
This whisky offers a pleasant introduction to peaty flavors without the intense smokiness of Islay whiskies. It carries a touch more sweetness, making it ideal for those new to exploring peaty expressions.
Starter Whisky with a Short Note:
While enjoyable and approachable, Highland Park 12 may lack the depth and complexity found in some other whiskies, potentially coming across as slightly one-dimensional.
The finish is moderately sweet with a hint of spice and oak, leaving a relatively short aftertaste. Adding a few drops of water can enhance the sweetness and reveal subtle meaty notes.
Highland Park: A Storied Distillery:
Aged in a combination of European and American casks that previously held Spanish Oloroso Sherry, Highland Park 12 remains uncolored.
This distillery, established in 1798, holds the title of the northernmost single malt Scotch whisky producer in Scotland, situated in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Springbank 10 | $76 |
| Highland Park 12 | $60 |