Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:22 am
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 12 and Springbank 15 in this direct comparison and determine which Single Malt suits your preferences best!
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 12 vs Springbank 15: Comparison
Springbank 12 Cask Strength: Bold and warm with rich sherry, honey, and peat. Complex flavor enhanced by water. Medium to long finish with ginger and peat.
Springbank 15: Festive with Christmas cake, dark chocolate, and dried fruits. Creamy texture and rich taste. Finish offers oak and sherry notes.
Verdict: The Springbank 15 is the preferred choice for its rich complexity and smoothness, making it an ideal daily drinker. While the Springbank 12 Cask Strength offers an intense and bold experience yet satisfying experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 15-Year Scotch Recommendations
Springbank 12 Cask Strength: A Bold and Flavorful Whisk
- Nose: Dark fruit, baking spice, raisins, orange, peat
- Palate: Mineral, chocolate, honey, sherry, ginger
- Finish: Red fruit, peat, orange, ginger
- Alcohol content: 112 proof (56% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Springbank 10
Please note: This review is based on batch 21, and there may be slight variations in taste profile between batches.
Aroma: Springbank 12 Cask Strength opens with a rich and inviting nose, dominated by dark fruit notes along with hints of baking spice, raisin, orange, and a touch of peat smoke.
Palate: The first sip offers a warm and buttery mouthfeel due to the cask strength. Flavors of sherry nuttiness, honey, ginger spice, and oak mingle with a subtle mineral undertone, creating a complex taste profile.
Finish: The finish has a medium to long length, leaving lingering notes of red fruit, peat, orange, and ginger, with a slight warming sensation. A few drops of water can help tame the heat for a smoother drinking experience, if desired.
Overall: Springbank 12 Cask Strength is a bold and characterful whisky, offering a complex and satisfying experience. The cask strength nature adds depth and intensity, while remaining enjoyable to drink. Additionally, it is presented unfiltered and free of artificial colors, appealing to those who appreciate a natural product.
Recommendation: This whisky is highly recommended for those seeking a bold and intense single malt Scotch whisky. Its complex flavor profile and unique character make it a great choice for adventurous palates.
Additional information:
- Aged in a unique combination of casks: 45% sherry, 25% bourbon, 25% burgundy, and 5% port.
- Unfiltered and presented in its natural color.
- Bi-annual release, so slight variations in taste may occur between batches.
Springbank 15: A Whisky with Christmas Cake Notes
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, walnuts, floral
- Palate: Dates, raisins, dark chocolate, figs
- Finish: Medium, oak, sherry, leather
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Springbank 18
Aroma: Springbank 15 opens with a captivating and festive nose, reminiscent of a rich Christmas cake, infused with dark chocolate and hints of oak.
Palate: The first sip delivers a warm and creamy texture, enhancing the enjoyment of the flavor profile. Notes of dates, raisins, dark chocolate, and figs come together in a well-balanced and satisfying taste.
Finish: The finish is rich and lingering, offering notes of oak, sherry, and a subtle touch of old leather. While some reviewers might find the finish somewhat short, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
Overall: This review describes Springbank 15 as a thoroughly enjoyable whisky, praised for its exceptional nose, complex taste, and satisfying mouthfeel. It is considered one of the finer expressions within the 15-year-old age category and is offered at a reasonable price point.
Additional information:
- Springbank 15 matures in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
- Presented unchill filtered and uncolored, allowing the whisky’s natural character to shine through.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Springbank 12 Cask Strength | $115 |
| Springbank 15 | $150 |