Springbank 18 vs. Glen Scotia 18

[@welshtoro3256]

Hi Rob, good to see you buddy. The Springbank 18 can't be found in the U.K unless you pay an obscene secondary price but that' has nothing to do with the comparison. I think it only fair to mention the sulphur because the last time I had a bottle it was sulphured. I've had two badly sulphured Longrow 18s in the past as well so it's obviously an issue. I'll be honest and say I don't think Springbank 18 is better than the 10 or 12. I've only had one bottle of Glen Scotia 18 and I really enjoyed it. I would buy it again which is not something I'm keen to do with the Springbank. In fairness, it doesn't taste like Springbank or Kilkerran so anybody into that profile might be disappointed. Anyway, needless to say I completely agree with your review and conclusion. Just finished a bottle of Ledaig 18 which is another great value bottling. Just as an aside: I think it's about time that all of us desisted from using the term 'Funk' from our whisky descriptor vocabulary. It started as Springbank 'funk' but has expanded to all Campbelltown whisky these days. It's a vague term which I kind of get but we ought to be more detailed. Just a thought. All the best Rob. WT

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Need to get hands on a Ledaig 18. One of the few 18s that has eluded me over the years. Thanks for stopping by WT. appreciate your insight always. Cheers!

[@topshelfdustin3060]

People told me to look for your springbank 18 review because they disagreed with you, gotta say, they were right for me too. I think this was the best springbank 18 to date I've had and one of the best whiskies to show up here lately! It's just EPIC imo! I did get lucky and I found some of just a stupid price of 170! But also bought more at 240. I'm honestly rob, so glad we love springbank and disagree so much! It's this crazy thing where two people who love whisky and a brand's profile have different interests and that's so cool to me! Shows diversity is more than brands! My glen scotia 18 is from like 17 or something and we never see new ones here. So no clue there. Anyway sorry I didn't catch this sooner but also so happy I didn't because that springbank is one of my all time favorites! and I legit do take your advice on purchases, because you were legit one of the guys that got me into springbank! So I owe you!

[@crystalmethshrimp]

What year is your bottle from? It’s printed on the bottle.

[@FerNightwalker]

I haven't tried the G.S. 18 yet but I have the 15 Y.O., the Victoriana, and the Campbeltown 1832, and really enjoyed them all, the Victoriania is one that I am going to replace soon, and it looks like I should go for the 18 too. Thanks Rob for the comparison. Cheers... 🥃👍

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Cheers buddy

[@jackthepickledhound]

Perfect timing Rob! Just found a SB18 for a good price. Only $75 more than any other 18 year old. Shit be told I have access to a few more Longrow 18 from 2015 at the same price. That's a nice bottle. Well worth it. Glen Scotia 18 was not on my radar at all with Ralfy pointing toward the 15. I have a backup of the 15; if see a newer 18 at the sweet price of $125 or less, I'll give it a run. The 15 was really good whisky at a great price. Cambeltown town on the shelf is always a strong temptation, but the core range seems to be...just whisky. Just 46% whisky. The young CS offerings at nearly the same price as these older ones makes my head spin when I see one.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Pretty luck guy. Those are unicorns these days.

[@Halliskyes]

This sb18 needs a revisit Rob

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Actually picked it up last night and considered pouring it.

[@tonymills9541]

Excellent comparison well chosen

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Good to hear some high praise for the Glen Scotia 18. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Cheers buddy 🙏🏻

[@nguye578]

Maybe off topic, but is the Glen Scotia 18 worth about twice the price of the 15? The 15 is great and I think I even got it on sale last spring for under $70 USD. Not regretting that purchase at all.

[@opusbay9529]

It’s worth to had it but the 15 yrs is bang for your buck!! But looking at the current situation. All whisky’s higher than 15 having a price increase

[@WhiskyInThe6]

I think it’s much better than the 15. Twice as much is too subjective.

[@johnw1597]

The GS 18 is wonderful! had my bottle a few months now and really enjoying it! Cheers!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Cheers John

[@richardagnew4959]

I'm currently enjoying the Glen Scotia Double Cask. Loads of ginger bread! Love it. Waiting for the LCBO to get the 15 (had a dram in Edinburgh) in and I'll work my way up to the 18. A wonderful distillery. :). Happy family day, Rob. :)

[@WhiskyInThe6]

My experience with the 15 wasn’t nearly as good as the one I just had with the 18. Love the 18.

[@VinDharma]

I loved this version of the SB 18. That GS must be awesome. Need to find some.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I saw a bottle of the SB 18 for $270 USD here. I was tempted but passed on it.

[@billmonteith1161]

Great stuff Rob. Don't have either of these but I have the 15 yr for each. Love the GS but haven't cracked the SB.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

I would say the sb 15 is better than the g s 15. But haven’t tried either in a while.

[@keyfinder257]

Great choice in a review!

[@sowlegwhiskyreview5501]

I get that a lot of people are looking to Glen Scotia when Springbank is so hard to come by, but this is very surprising😲 I would think Springbank would take Glen Scotia to the cleaners in every fair comparison. But admittedly I have only had the Glen Scotia 15 and a few special bottlings. Interesting...

[@WhiskyInThe6]

I would have thought the same my friend.

[@keyfinder257]

Another comparison could be the Springbank 12 vs the Glen Scotia Festival annual release. Basically a comparable aged GS vs Spring. Also, comparing the Kilkerran 8 cask strength with some sort of comparable Springbank. I noticed that Kilkerran is using the typical Springbank bottle now. I actually like the new bottle. It's a nice bottle. I've been drinking Springbanks since I was a young man in the mid 1980's

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Wish I could try some of those oldies.

[@keyfinder257]

@@WhiskyInThe6 I remember the thistles well (red and green). Wish I'd bought a dozen cases of the '96 green thistle. I could be happy the rest of my life with only that one. I remember drinking them and not knowing how good they were then. But after, nothing stacked up to them in my memory. I have a really strong memory for tastes and smells. It's a blessing and a curse. It wasn't merely old whisky mixed in with the twelve year old. It was the quality of what was mixed in. I've had all sorts of springbanks over 20 years of age at cask strength. I bought most of them from 2012-2017. Some of them were pretty good and some of them were just ok. I really liked the red thistle tho. The 1966 local barley was really good. I forget which age I tasted. It wasn't my bottle.

[@djbeacon1942]

Rob, great H2H. The SB 18 is about 225 here and the 12 CS is 110 and the 15 is 95. Will keep enjoying the 12CS and 15. Love that Batch 21 12 CS with extra burgundy and port finishing.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

They 12 is always great bang for buck. Cheers DJ.

[@crystalmethshrimp]

Great comparison Rob, I went cross the boarder last month and blew my entire budget on a SB 18 ($270 usd) and a Glen Scotia 15. On the last store i visited they had a GS 18 for the same price as the 15 which was around $105 USD but again I was past my budget. I have yet to open the SB18 soplease let me know if you know someone that wants to swap it for a SB12 CS + SB10

[@WhiskyInThe6]

I’ll let you know Jay. Cheers.

[@arakafafian]

Great looking set!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Thank you

[@oguzhan0007]

I agree, since 2021 Glen scotia 18 is the best 18 whisky so far. At this price this whisky is a bargain! Very balanced apricot, apple, spices and oaky malt!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Absolutely

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Wow! I’m happy I got the last Glen Scotia 18 year at my local for $100 usd.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Solid price

[@thewhiskeygeeks]

Glen Scotia is a very underrated and under appreciated distillery here in Canada in our opinion. We absolutely love everything we have tried from them.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Ya some solid stuff out of there for sure. Just followed. Cheers guys.

[@likeris2]

what better Glen Scotia 18 or Glen Scotia 15?

[@WhiskyInThe6]

18

[@superdukeism]

Great Job Rob.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

🙏🏻

[@lexinad]

For £99 rrp in the UK the Springbank 18 is well worth it. So glad I got 2 last year.

[@gman5986]

Haven't had the Glen Scotia 18 yet but loved the 15. I can buy the 15 now @ $67 but the 18 just 3 years more matured is double that price to $125. This makes no sense to me! How would you compare the two head to head? Your bar looks great!......Cheers!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Put them side by side because they are both 18 year Campbeltown and I received them in a bundle.

[@axetwogrind]

I prefer the GS 15 and the travel exclusive 16 yr even more over the 18 yr. The 18 was solid, but not a definite rebuy for me.

[@RomainRiviere]

I really liked this Springbank 18, great one. Funny what you say about the color, i actually thought the same about the Local Barley you've been raving about, you seemed to be the only one in the community to really appreciate it that much (with Jeremy of course). Btw, i know you guys sometimes watch football (the real one that's actually played with feet, you gotta be happy with team Canada they're very fun to watch!"

[@WhiskyInThe6]

To each their own I guess. Sulphur taste/smell is just not my thing. Canada is really fun to watch. Cheers my friend.

[@davidowen2834]

At least where I am Glen Scotia is available and at a good price, completely the opposite of Springbank. Good review Rob, slàinte

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Ya that’s what surprised me most.

[@joseantoniomartindominguez92]

Gracias por los subtitulos

[@WhiskyInThe6]

🙏🏻

[@silverfox108]

Malt and Grains Alberta? what is the web page ? Always looking for scotch that is becoming difficult to obtain at LCBO and looking for better prices. Can you post the web page please

[@WhiskyInThe6]

aabc.store

[@ryandiggs3237]

So here’s my hilarious Glen Scotia 18 story. Went to a tasting with some friends that are casual whiskey drinkers and they’re becoming a little bit more serious. So I brought over a nice Mac 12, I brought over some Glenallachie 12 and something else that I thought would be real cool for people that are starting to get a little serious about Whiskey. I don’t know how my Glen Scotia 18 ended up in the bag but they loved it so much. I probably have a shot or two left of it. I am emotionally scarred.

[@ryandiggs3237]

Great review as always.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Lol that’s happened to me.

[@malcolmgeffon8072]

What do you mean by Campbelltown funk?

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Smokey, musty, malty, thick kind of taste and smell.

[@malcolmgeffon8072]

@@WhiskyInThe6 Thanks

[@shaunwitzler5482]

I just picked up a Glen Scotia 18 (2019 batch), and it had the weirdest mid-late palate taste I've ever experienced. Incredibly funky, not sure how I feel about it. I've heard that the newer releases have been getting better, but this 2019 is weird as fuck to say the least haha.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

It’s definitely different. I think newest batches are best.

[@shaunwitzler5482]

@@WhiskyInThe6 Actually, the funk grew on me, I actually enjoy it now 😂😂😂

[@worldoflies8481]

Why not compare Springbank 18 with Mac 18 next??

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Not a fair comparison for the far inferior Mac 18 at 43%

[@opiatebank]

I would trade sb18 years 2015 to 2019 for Mac 18 any year. They were under 135 then.

[@greigmartin4339]

I have the 2018 SB18 100% bourbon matured. It’s good but not a re-buy (as if I could find one) very bright for an 18 and low on the funk scale. I’m guessing a lot of 2nd and 3rd fill in there. SB could safely start bottling trash and it would still sell out everywhere. Even at Cadenhead store in Edinburgh everything including the standard Longrow, Hazelburn 10 and Springbank 10 is sold out. The only place I know that will have it on the shelf is the distillery. The party is over dudes.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

It really is over sadly.

[@VinDharma]

Probably shouldn’t confuse an inability to find it with ‘now it’s all crap’. Not sure that’s what you’re saying.

[@greigmartin4339]

@@VinDharma not at all. It’s good/great whisky all day long. it’s just fallen foul of the same formula Japanese whisky : small output + hype + #trending = secondary market only availability = not for drinking.

[@Trowa922]

Love that springbank 18!

[@primewhisky]

Think the Springbank 18y is far better😋😋 The GlenAllachie 18y is awesome, even better than the 25y

[@WhiskyInThe6]

We will definitely have to agree to disagree here on the Springbank 18 from 2021

[@stevelandwonder4760]

UK prices GS £86 vs Springbank £99 on release...£daft at auction.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Does the GS have auction value?

[@stevelandwonder4760]

@@WhiskyInThe6 Not in UK - plenty of stock and no FOMO.

[@deeshmond]

Agree that the Glen Scotia is better. I seem to be in the minority that doesn’t understand the big fuss about Springbank. I’ve tried four now and haven’t had one that would even crack my top 25 scotches.

[@SippersSocialClub]

Unfortunate the SB18 took a dip in '21 after so many amazing vintages

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Best one I’ve tried so far was 2019

[@ahpadt]

the few 18s Ive tried were no better than my '20 bottled 15...

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

I also enjoy the Glen Scotia! Grazie 🙏 Roberto ciao 👋 from Milano! SF.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Grazie Sandro. Salute!

[@Tantrum777]

The Springbank 18 costs 100 dollars more! Great review Rob.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Ya definitely not worth it.

[@josephmajor7761]

I love GS 18 for the price. SB 18 is actually my least favorite of the lineup mostly due to inconsistency and value.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Totally with you on here.

[@WhiskeyForge]

Springbank is becoming the Van Winkle of the whisky world. Fine products, natural products, but no where near what the price commands.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

True. The van winkles and btac stuff still boggles my mind way more though.

[@bennyfriis601]

Honestly, I don't think for a second that it's Springbank. It's (definitely) the retailers... who's to blame for the pricing. Actually, I don't fell like guessing - I feel like I know, what I'm talking about. #justsaying

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Ya true

[@leoart07]

Please delete this video, I still want my Glen Scotia 18 for $100 lol great comparison Rob!

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Lol

[@mrturbo311]

I think the guitar music you put in the background makes the video feel very slow..maybe remove it or change it up with something less sleepy feeling

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Noted.

[@Watchman999]

Both of these bottles are out of reach.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

Bottle splits are always fun. You get to try more stuff at half or one third the cost.