The ultimate Campbeltown head-to-head | Springbank 10 vs Kilkerran 12

[@GOTAisMe]

They are both great but if I see both on a shelf and can only buy 1 it's going to be the Springbank 10. I had a close experience to this today. I go to one of my favorite package stores and they are putting the Kilkerran Heavily Peated on the shelf. They got in a whole 3 bottles. I grab one but then look up. There are 2 Springbank 10 years, 1 Springbank 15 and something I've only head of and never seen, 1 Springbank 10 year Paolo Cortado. All were priced at MSRP because this store does not mark up. Back went the Kilkerran Heavily Peated and I bought the Springbank Paolo Cortado. Yup. I made the right decision.

[@StamfordBridge]

Wow. Where is this store?

[@GOTAisMe]

​@@StamfordBridge Fairfield, CT

[@richardagnew4959]

'He said Canadianly!' 🤣😂

[@christinecamley]

As a Canadian I love this term!

[@hanqb10]

Great review! I always thought of Kilkerran 12 as salted caramel, and Springbank 10 as sweet and sour pork. But definitely depends on the batch! Also have found that S10 is usually better with a drop or two of water, where K12 is better neat.

[@brukuns]

Love my Springbank 10, never tried a Kilkerran though. Need to remedy that.

[@Rohit_M]

SB10 vs KK12, what a great idea for a H2H Geoff. I have enjoyed multiple bottles of KK12 and it's always a winner. I managed to pickup one lonely bottle of SB10 in early 2023. I will need to nurse through it when I finally open it. When I do, this also gives me an idea of doing my own comparison of the two like the one you did here. On a side note, I dream of seeing any age SB show up in Ontario but that is a wishful thinking on my part. Always great review content Geoff.

[@numanuma20]

Wish I could get my hands on Springbank.

[@EuropaWill]

Nice comparo Geoff, thanks! I've been fortunate enough to have acquired a 2017 and 2019 bottle of SB10. I've only opened the 2019 bottle which I hate to admit is pretty amazing - probably in my top 5. I'm curious to hear from anyone that can speak on the batch variance between these two years or others around the same time frame and how they compare with newer bottlings. In both cases the bottles I found were caked with dust in obscure stores, indicating I'll probably never see these on the shelf again at any well traveled retailer.

[@jonnyfish76]

Just found a couple of the SB 10 YO Palo Cortado Casks in NY. Have you seen them?? Amazing for the age. Cheers

[@DavidUKesb]

In the UK KK12 is usually available and SB10 isn't all that difficult to find if one is patient. Failing that, both can be bought at auction for very little over retail price.

[@Gwhisky]

The UK is lucky. Very few markets enjoy that much access. 🥃

[@rupertansell4662]

When I finally picked up a SB10 I was initially disappointed as the first half of the bottle didn’t give me much. The nose and taste were restrained and I was struggling to see what all the hype was about. So it ended up back in the cupboard for a couple of months. Having revisited it I find that it needed time (and some air) to oxidise. Now I’ve got to the second half of the bottle it is changing and opening up, giving me the nose and taste I was promised. Anyone else experienced similar?

[@aptg95]

I find most of their stuff always goes the same way, but especially the 10 and 15. Always fantastic after some oxidization.

[@wallace-bv4rl]

My mate and I have been wondering along these lines and also about snacks 😂 Is snacking not done? It is by us at get togethers and this seems to make a difference. My opinion on bottles can change with time open, snacks, company and what order I tried it on….. lots of nonsense to be talked 👍👍🥃

[@ronanmcconnellable]

Oh tough one! You're bang on with your notes I feel the exact same. I always say Kilkerran is more muted than Springbank but then if i've had neither in a while and open the Kilerran I'm always impressed with how complex and funky it is.

[@MortAllachie]

Finally got my hands on some Kilkerran. Well hands and hands… I ordered and have it confirmed that I can pick up a Kilkerran 12 and a Kilkerran 8 CS Sherry on Monday. Looking forward to it as I have only had one Kilkerran sample earlier 😊

[@mshaves8406]

I do this side by side quite often as long as i have backups otherwise they sit on the shelf like ornaments. And i cant descide which i prefer 1 day sprinkbank another kilkeran. I was doing this side by side today when i saw your video because i have just managed to buy a bottle of kilkeran 8 sherry cask and another kilkeran 12. I love both but kilkeran is always a bit easier to get so i 0:00 drink that more often.

[@ralff1977]

The question should be: Springbank 15 vs Kilkerran 16! 😄

[@bobdobolinaa]

Kilkerran 16 from 2022 is a great one! Really surprised me when I tried it last week. Enjoyed it more than the SB15.

[@catnapgee5357]

Springbank 15, especially within the last 2 or 3 years, hands down beats the kilkerran 16 in my opinion (and many others)

[@precariousdave]

I quite agree. So I expect a lengthy apology from GWhisky, and a re-labelling of this video, "The penultimate Campbeltown head-to-head". Until then, I'm voting with my feet. [crosses arms, gruffly] Second thoughts: "Pre-pen-ultimate," winner of SB15 v KK16 takes on GS15 in the "Ultimate Campbeltown cage fight". No, wait, let's not introduce the cage... On fourth thoughts, maybe best just to avoid click-baity "Ultimate" title? Besides. We all have both in the cupboard.

[@pedrohcmenezes]

@@precariousdaveI’d love to see GScotia 15 on this fight! Although it’s fully ex-bourbon, I think it would stand up, specially in a blind tasting.

[@nintendonut100]

​​@@precariousdave"antepenultimate" is the word you're looking for, btw, not "pre-penultimate"

[@Isthatabeerinyourpocket]

Interesting one, I guess I'll have to try the side by side to get my reality but individually I prefer the K12. Just for a giggle I may do a side by side of the Longrow and Kilkerran heavily peated. Well that's my Friday sorted any ideas for Saturday?

[@davidb2701]

I have always a bottle of Springbank 10 and a Kilkerran 12 in my housebar (Springbank 10 is better). Springbank is my favorite brand for almost 20 yrs. Nowadays both are hard to find. But it is not impossible to get one for a fair price. Greetz from The Netherlands. 9:17

[@Eunegin23]

In the Netherlands 45 Euros for the KK12. Would be a dream in many countries...

[@davidb2701]

Kilkerran 12 for €45,00 is still possible in The Netherlands. The retailprice is between €50 and €60. Springbank 10 between €60 and €75. My retailer is asking €65.

[@Gwhisky]

Here in Taiwan it's about the same for the Kilkerran. Meanwhile we have shops that still routinely ask for over €100 for the SB10. Luckily I think a lot of the gold rush for the entry-level SB stuff is slowly subsiding. 🥃

[@davidb2701]

@@Gwhiskysubsiding? I hope so 😁! SB is my favorite distillery for drinking, not collecting (Damn you investors and bottleflippers).

[@RobertSingleton-dw9yh]

GS Victoriana beats both

[@Foggy89]

I have both on my bar (I always have a the SB 10, but it's easy to find for me), but I haven't done this side-by-side. Something to look forward to this weekend. ☺

[@kevinnordby4808]

This is a fantastic video Geoff! Both are wonderful but I actually prefer the Kilkerran 12. It’s the oily rag/ machine shop notes that keep me hooked. Both of these are fairly easy to find in my market. I actually just picked up two bottles of the Kilkerran 12 on sale…..yep, it was on sale.

[@stevelandwonder4760]

It's Springbank release day in the UK. Picked up a couple of the KK8 Sherry but no Springbank. The Local Barley 13 looks good but disappeared down the Botholes. Springbank 10 is starting to stick around a bit - Flippers lost interest for the £5-10 profit. Nice review...I try to have backups of both.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah it seems like some of the SB hype is subsiding, albeit very slowly. 🥃

[@DLi-ld5ui]

Hey out of curiosity did you know the release date ahead of the release day? I would love go get some springbank at srp but seems like I'm always late to the party.

[@stevelandwonder4760]

@@DLi-ld5ui Springbank Society members get to know the release date in advance. It's meant to be a secret but leaks out on socials. Advance notice has made zero difference to my success at retail in the UK. Online stock is purchased instantly by Bot Users (though the 10 and KK8 are sticking). Society Members used to be able to reserve stock at Cadenheads but I was refused when first joining and have not tried since. And you need to be able to get to Campbeltown, Edinburgh or London to pick up bottles.

[@stevelandwonder4760]

@@DLi-ld5ui I just typed a long reply but it was deleted. Springbank Society members get advance notice but it leaks on socials and has made zero difference to my success at retail. Driving to Campbeltown once the date is released is the only way to assure success.

[@DLi-ld5ui]

@@stevelandwonder4760 I see, thanks for the the reply!

[@javierbaroja8928]

Both are very good whiskies. Prefer the SB 10 but not for much. I have both and also got bakup bottles. I drink them thinking both are great.

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Man, you are certaily Canadianly Asian! Love your descriptions! And I'd love them both to see each other in my house! But I've never been on time to order when either is available (yet). Well, that's probably not that bad for me since I'm not as crazy about the funk as many others are. Thanks and see you next time!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah they're pretty hard to get hold of and they often don't live up to the hype. The good news is that I find than SB is becoming less "funky" and more accessible as time goes on. Maybe you'll enjoy it more than you think. Cheers and thanks for watching! 🥃

[@precariousdave]

Yes, I used to think that about the funk. Used to. Keep trying them. Ralfy's not wrong.

[@robbor]

Thanks! Was actually contemplating which one to get. You asked us what we want you to review next; please review the Longrow too!

[@Gwhisky]

I've got a side-by-side SB10, Longrow, and Hazelburn 10 coming down the pipeline. Cheers and thanks for watching! 🥃

[@GlenLossie]

@@Gwhisky Since the Longrow is a peated Springbank perhaps it ought to be compared side by side with a Kilkerran Heavily Peated, although the latter is cask/batch strength so that might skew the comparison. Anyway ...

[@patrickc7834]

Both on the permashelf.

[@pedrohcmenezes]

I find it really difficult to compare those two. On paper they are pretty similar but, with J & A Mitchell embracing batch variation as they do, any results would be possible. I know I was supposed to pick one, but I still prefer to have both 😂😂😂. On MSRP they are unbeatable!

[@Gwhisky]

Well said! 🥃

[@steeno1985]

Got an unopened bottle of each on the shelf. Hmmmm, which to open first? 🤔

[@xxacidmv]

.🥃🥃🥃. One of these days I will find and try the these. Love the A/B comparison!

[@rivenbeef]

My bottlings are a couple years old, but I’ve gotta go kilkerran here and Kilkerran in most cases. Both great whiskies!

[@Gwhisky]

Kilkerran 12 has changed a lot. I thought they'd be even, myself. Really tough to pick a favourite. Cheers! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, haven’t really got a favourite, both are excellent and I’m more than happy to have both in my stash. Awesome video Geoff, slàinte 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I agree. I think depending on the batch, it could go either way. Both are excellent! 🥃

[@paul_mitchener_ukulele]

Thanks to this video, I bought a bottle of Kilkerran 12 (finding Springbank 10 super tough to get hold of at a decent price - curse those Whisky illuminati). Supping it and rewatching the video. My first Campbeltown! A sweetness to it, and so many layers to the flavour, with a hint of funk. Nice finish too. So thank-you. A good recommendation! And one day I’ll be able to try the Springbank.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

It's the Springbank 10 for me with this pair. I'm one of those people who loved the older Kilkerran bottles when they were in the taller thinner bottles. Good idea for a video as these are the ones most people will be able to find. Cheers

[@gavbrown4807]

In search of that Cambeltown vibe I came across an 11 yo Glen Scotia Sherry double cask finish that really hits the spot. So it pays to check out if the others do something a bit different. Still get cold sweats though when I think about drinking the last of my Springbank.

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Nice review Geoff. I agree with you, the SB10 is just ahead of the KK12. But both a worth trying for sure.

[@brukuns]

I got a Kilkerran 12 sample and drank it against my Springbank 10. I also prefer the Springbank... but I also understand it could be a mood thing. Kilkerran is very maritime, very light and very smooth, some days I would definitely prefer that over the rugged springbank 10.

[@Koby616]

Interesting comparison. Haven't tried any yet.

[@linhairstone2033]

Still waiting for a video of your 90 score or better bottles. This will be a popular one.

[@allanwhittle3041]

Hi Geoff You may remember ages ago me banging on about how good Glen Scotia 16 year LTR travel retail , it’s discontinued now , over 2 years ago but I bought 6 LTRs while I could , well the 16 is pretty much the same as the 18 same lovely salty caramel . Plus ..Another absolute banger is the GS 12 year old Mermaid Malts festival release finished in Palo Cortado casks this is a stunner IMO like the 18 but perhaps even better , if ya get a chance to try it 👍

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't tried the Mermaid release yet. I'll add it to the shopping list. That 16 was around for a while here, but I never pulled the trigger sadly. 🥃

[@MARYN0077]

Geoff great review.. I don't know what you're talking about... I walked yesterday to my local store and got springbank longrow and kilkerran no problem... lol. I have to admit in my area people are crazy about bourbon so I'm lucky.

[@TheSharkPadlock]

During this video, I flipped back and forth from my computer to my phone just so I could get a better picture of the "Whisky Illuminati"! Love it! lol

[@phillister76]

Feel like the Kilkerrans are still improving, particularly the 16

[@Gwhisky]

Love the 16. 🥃

[@andyking894]

Not sure if you're willing to do an Irish, but I got an expression from the Shedd distillery, Drumshanbo Galánta. I'm a couple of drams in, and I'd like to see someone else's thoughts on it, particularly a reviewer I'm familiar with. I mean, at this point, we're basically family. Speaking of which, can I crash on your couch for a few days? Just til I get back on my feet; maybe a few weeks.

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like a great pour! I'm willing to do Irish, and I like Irish, but they're not great value prospects here in Taiwan, unfortunately. Also, we have pretty limited selection. I don't think I've ever seen a Drumshanbo here. I'll keep my eyes peeled, though. 🥃

[@jtf2dan]

Springbank uses worm tubs for condensation of the alcohol...does Kilkerran?

[@DeftonE88]

Perfectly timed video and a great review! Managed to pick up Springbank 10 for £55 and Kilkerran 12 for £49. Can’t wait to compare them. Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Great whiskies for a very fair price. Enjoy! 🥃

[@DeftonE88]

@@Gwhisky awesome thank you! Maybe a bit of a strange question, but we’re moving into warmer weather (well as warm as it gets in England 🤣) and I wondered would these 2 work as a summer dram? I tend to go for Glencadam and Arran 10 rather than my preferred Islay whiskies which I save for the winter. As I’ve never had either Kilkerran or Springbank before, I’d be interested to hear what you think 🥃

[@peterhrtg]

Must be the time of year… I have just scored a SB 10 for £58, plus delivery. My (unopened) KK 12 is one of the old tall bottles, so a comparison should be interesting. As a newbie (actually, just a Glenmorangie drinker twice a year for about 25 years) I’m really looking forward to this! Even though medical constraints seriously limit my intake to strictly tasting only.

[@DeftonE88]

@@peterhrtg good stuff. Let me know what you think. I personally slightly prefer KK12 over the SB10 but they’re both fresh bottles so be interesting to see how they change

[@peterhrtg]

@@DeftonE88 Will do, in due course - could be a while!

[@marks291]

Hey Geoff have you done a review of the Glen Scotia double cask or 15? Wondering how they might stack up against these.

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Great head to head Geoff! I have never connected with Kilkerran before which is a shame but I absolutely love Springbank 10, it could be my desert island dram. Though you are correct the last Springbank 10 I had was much less funky and much more accessible, which is a negative for me at least. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

So it's not just me. Springbank seems to be calming it's more rugged elements in recent batches. Interesting. I'm not sure if that's a general trend or limited to a few specific batches... Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@vimalrajkappil]

Both are amazing Wishkies , I can't tell the difference between the Two,

[@anthonysillett6678]

I was lucky yesterday and got these 2 on their way to me, KILKERRAN 8 CASK STRENGTH SHERRY CASK MATURED 57.4% £60.00 plus a SPRINGBANK 10 46% FOR £52.50. They are out there in the UK a few times a year but you have to be super quick.

[@Gwhisky]

Incredible value! Well done snapping them up quickly! 🥃

[@balintpernecker624]

Great vid as always. Love the comparison, I would Iike to see more videos like this from you. I have a bottle of SB10 open and just recently I had a KK12 sample too. I would say that they are equally good, just different. My mood would decide which one I reach for. For me, the SB10 is more apple-sweet and farmy and the KK12 is more dark and industrial. But I love both.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I picked a favourite for the video but I might have moods or days where I prefer the Kilkerran. They're equal in quality imo. 🥃

[@mjardeen]

I have both on my shelf. Springbank is my favorite whisky. The mouth feel and after taste just lasts forever. Longrow is another Cambeltown champ.

[@whiskywhereabouts]

Nice comparison of two great whiskies. There's just something about that Springbank 10 balanced complexity.

[@SimonneNZ]

Great HTH review Geoff! I will happily stick with Kilkerran 12. It is a little more accessible and still somewhat affordable, although the price has increased a bit since I purchased my bottle. On the rare occasion I do see Springbank for sale here it is overpriced and well beyond my budget. Unless something changes and the prices come down, I doubt I will ever buy this. Fortunately, there are plenty of other great whiskies out there. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Well said. Always other quality options. Love SB, but with Kilkerran 12 still at a reasonable price I don't see any reason to overpay for SB10. Cheers. 🥃

[@steveno7058]

Both great stuff and different enough to buy both

[@Gwhisky]

Agree! 🥃

[@allanwhittle3041]

For me Glen Scotia 18 is the daddy , I love that salty / caramel vibe . No way would I pay Springbank money , of course it’s decent whisky ..But not worth what’s being asked ..Only saying 🤣

[@Gwhisky]

Absolutely love Glen Scotia 18! 🥃

[@jackhammer8439]

Interesting one! I’ve never had any Springbanks but had the Kilkerran 12 and recently finished the bottle. Actually didn’t love it and likely wouldn’t buy it again (I enjoyed it, it was good but lacked personality. I’d be quite pleased if someone poured me a dram if I was visiting but I’m sad to sad was “forgettable” to me)

[@gazearek]

A comparison I was waiting for! Little feedback on the review: I find the text bars appearing in the middle of your story distracting, it’s better to mention that in words as you also did later on in the video!😅

[@whiskyjourney175]

Both great whiskies but personally I prefer the Springbank 10, however it can be batch dependant. Just get both 😁

[@Gwhisky]

Basically my entire review summarized in two sentences. ⬆️

[@patrickscott258]

I would like you to explore how long a bottle is still vibrant. Compare a freshly opened bottle against the same bottle open for 6 months and over a year.

[@GlenLossie]

A very difficult exercise. Apart from the time from opening the bottle there are two other variables: the amount left in the bottle and the alcohol level. Therefore a single comparison will apply only to that whisky and not to any other.

[@WhiskyWolf514]

Hey Geoff Thanks for the review! This was a great comparison video, love the fact that the whisky Illuminati made a return 😂 lol I absolutely agree with your review! However on my market Kilkerran 12 is 20 euro ( if not more ) cheaper than Springbank 10. I am definitely happy with both and realized with these two specific whisky it's better to embrace the batch variations due to their uniqueness - rather than stocking up on the same batch with several bottles. Due their history and "legendary" status I think it's worth tracking/tasting the change. Anyways, that's just my take. Hope you had a good week my friend! Slainte 🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Ah dude for €20 I'd skip the SB. That said, nice to have both, eh? 😉 Absolutely agree about embracing batches. Funny how I look for consistency in some bottles and embrace batches with others. Hah. Hope you enjoyed the week too buddy. Weekend ahead! 🎉

[@MadScientist7]

As far as upcoming reviews…are you able to get your hands on the 2023 range of Glenturret

[@Gwhisky]

Sadly no. That range still isn't sold here. ☹️

[@DJMJRyder]

Kilkerran every day, it's a better made whisky. Springbank 15 vs Kilkerran 16 would be a difficult one

[@justinafuchs2619]

„It’s better made whisky“ - Seriously, how is it „better made“? I love the Kilkerran 12, but how is it „a better made whisky“? That doesn’t make any sense to me.

[@SensitiveBoysDads]

@@justinafuchs2619 yea the only differences are that Springbank is 2.5 times distilled and Kilkerran is 2 times distilled and that the linearms on the stills are different, one slops down and one slops up. Other than that, they are made exactly the same and by the same parent company. Another thing I wanted to point out is that Springbank and Kilkerran are batchy by design. Which one I like more can change at basically any moment, depending on which batch, what I ate and drank earlier, mood and how much oxidization has occurred. Springbank looks better on the shelf and has more status in the name, but going purely by taste is a toss up.

[@SensitiveBoysDads]

@afuchs2619 I was agreeing with you dude lol. And the second half was just my 2 cents on the video and the idea of liking one over the other.

[@justinafuchs2619]

@@SensitiveBoysDads Damn .. I’m an grumpy old idiot. Dude, I’m sorry. I was in a bad place when I replied to you, an ex-gf gave me a hard time, but still .. it’s embarrassing. I read your comment again, and I don’t understand how I could get you so wrong. Everything you said is factual, you just explained a few things, and I have a hard time wrapping my head around how I could feel you were attacking my opinion. I‘m going to delete my comment, I hope it’s ok with you. I really wish I could buy you a dram, mate.

[@SensitiveBoysDads]

@@justinafuchs2619 no problem man. It's hard to read people's tone on the Internet and through text and most people on the Internet only respond to be dicks. Absolutely no hard feelings here. Appreciate your response and it really says a lot about your character.

[@jonathancox2537]

12 kilkerran is always available here in nz the springbank 10 not so much 😂 I’d take the 10 over 12 all day long as they are priced the same rrp here

[@chriskim405]

Where I live (Japan) Springbank 10 is 80 USD more expensive than Kilkerran 12. Would you still buy Springbank 10 over Kilkerran 12?

[@DavidUKesb]

Not for that price difference I wouldn't. Both very similar styles and similar quality (high)

[@javierbaroja8928]

agree@@DavidUKesb

[@Gwhisky]

Agree. These two are on par in terms of quality. Kilkerran 12 all day. 🥃

[@tabray9567]

Kind question. After a sip, you bring your fingers together as if to draw a linear tasting note out of your pallet. What’s going on here and what do you get from this custom? Big fan, great job and thank you! Cheers Tab Dallas TX

[@Gwhisky]

Hi Tab. Initially I had the palate and finish as separate parts of the tasting in my videos. I used that "move" to visually distinguish the finish from the palate in those early vids. Since then I've kept it for no reason other than to look fancy and pretentious. It does absolutely nothing. 😂

[@bzzz1800]

No pun intended. springbank 10 to me was a fireworks of taste. Although don't think Kilkerran has a matching taste profiles to do VS. both are great 😊

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

Excellent video my friend. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching. Cheers! 🥃

[@onurcesmekolu446]

I am a little disapointed in Springbank 10 but i really liked Kilkerran 12. I bought them both around 50-55 usd from Craiova, Romania :)

[@frankterry7942]

You could add the Campbetlown Loch aka the trouble maker to this clash of titans 😂

[@Gwhisky]

Nah. Good stuff, but couldn't stand up. 😉🥃

[@steveno7058]

The darker batches of Campbell Lock is tremendous. More Sherry forward than these two and cheaper

[@steveno7058]

@@Gwhisky you have to try the darker batches

[@lightplays2181]

Mr.Geoff good review ) I think both are pretty good ) Skòl !

[@Gwhisky]

Agree, my friend. Both are excellent! Cheers! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky : )

[@TosaJake]

Its funny, out of all the stuff I cant find or get, I had no problem getting both of these for MSRP within the last two months

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah they're becoming more available here, too. Could it be the hype is dying down somewhat? 🥃

[@TosaJake]

Like many even though I can afford to buy, I get tired of the bourbon price hikes/gouging and endless hype making sourcing difficult

[@gareth630]

I'll go Spring Bank if I find it but I can get Kilkerran without much trouble . Any way Mr Canada Terri Clark or Rush ? Much more important 🙂

[@Gwhisky]

Rush I guess? I had to Google Terri Clark. 😂

[@raulalfonsin9975]

Sp10 is great

[@ryanmercer600]

Great review

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Ryan! 🥃

[@sparkangelo]

I prefer Kilkerran 8 either Sherry or Port cask over either of the two in the review... roughly the same price range I think...

[@Gwhisky]

Those 8s are incredible. In very high demand, though. I'm pretty sure they sell out quicker than the Springbank 10. 🥃

[@StamfordBridge]

Anyone know a store in NYC that occasionally has these?

[@88johnbarnes]

With the kilkerran i definitely pick tropical fruits. Like a unripe banana funk. 🍌 😃

[@Johnny__Silver]

I love both but the salty vibe in the Kilkerran always gets my juices flowin’…

[@edelrosario5105]

Geoff, would you accept and review a bourbon whisky? 😅

[@Gwhisky]

Sure I like bourbon, contrary to popular belief. Hah. 🥃

[@jackthepickledhound]

Springbank must be doing something better lately because I have a 10 year old from 2019 and it is not a whole lot different from my Hazelburn 10. Just citrus and a little vanilla. So I'm not getting all crazy and spending over $125 on a bottle. On the other hand I found a stash of Campbelltown bottles from 2017 in my travels. I bought 2 Longrow NAS and 2 KK12's for about $59 each. I went back a few months ago and brought 3 SB10's to the counter that were priced the same. They suddenly wanted $135 each. The new shop owner knew what he had but didn't bother to change the price on the shelf. He wasn't present and told the young clerk not to budge on the price. I think I'm done with that. You just reminded me that I should keep drinking what I have open already. If I want a great 46% dram I've still got 1/2 bottle (or more) of each. The KK12 really wowed me and I always figured that could be a one-bottle-on-the-bar type of whisky

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah good call. Absolute steal getting the KK12 and Longrow for $59. $135 is a hard pass for SB10. Cheers Jack. 🥃

[@disgustipated7104]

I think I like the SB 10 better then the kilkerran 12. my first bottle of the 12 was very good, liked it way more then the SB 10. mby I changed or the bottle, no matter. don't think ill buy any of them for a long time. kilkerran hp batch 8 is one of my top 5 whiskeys so far

[@jtf2dan]

When comparing the look of the bottles....Springbank has that AWESOME color Game of Thrones S...while Kilkerran has the black and white view from a prison cell! HOW can they BOTH get 2.5 out of 5? Dude! Give your head a shake! And I say that "Canadianly" as I can...as a Canadian! LOL

[@bluesmanen1]

As you say, two fantastic whisky. There will be a Springbank 10yo release in Sweden next week...maybe I'll be one of the few lucky ones to get a bottle😂😂...it's like a lottery here, the bottles usually disappear in a second or two, so one has to be really fast to order😂

[@Gwhisky]

Best of luck on the draw, buddy! 🥃

[@tabray9567]

Question. What’s your favorite Springbank?

[@Gwhisky]

If prices don't matter then the 25. But if we're coming back down to earth I've always loved the 12 cs. 🥃

[@GlenLossie]

My favourite is the only bottle in my closet: the 10 year old. It's a leftover from a stash of 7 bottles that was put on sale for about $50 Canadian more than a decade ago. I intended to pass a few of them off to friends but ended up drinking all except one. It has the old livery. No luck in acquiring another Springbank.

[@WhiskyWolf514]

Still prefer the Kilkerran...there. I finally came out of my Campbeltown Closet. 🥃🥃🎩

[@Gwhisky]

Lol brave of you. 🥃

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Springbank 10 year is $90 usd before tax at retail. Kilkerran 12 is $86 before tax. I’ll enjoy what I have.

[@GeoffreyBangers]

I wanted the thumbnail to say "Don't even click on this one, asshole." Anyway, great review as always. I have both, and I agree. Springbank wins the day. I'm down to my last few drams on both bottles though. What? No. Something just got in my eyes. (Deep shuddering breath) Okay. The hunt is on for replacements and my first Hazelburn, which seems like just what I need to ease the pain of saying goodbye... Eventually.

[@Gwhisky]

I've had my hundred-man-strong marketing team look into that. Apparently calling my audience assholes is a risky move, as I'm told I'm already "deeply unlikeable." Good luck hunting that Hazelburn, babe. 🥃

[@GeoffreyBangers]

@@Gwhisky I forgot to mention that illuminati poster. As amazing as ever. And "deeply unlikable" is why we love you. We the community. Not we like I specifically love you. Not specifically. But, well, you know.

[@timshulepov]

Word of the day: "Canadianly".

[@hanggo24]

Which year is the sb10?

[@Gwhisky]

2023

[@BadgerJeff]

A good ole' fashioned funk-off!

[@TechnovikingRS]

Hi G Kilkerran 12 better for me,its very nice,but Heavily Peated disappointed

[@simonr1392]

I notice in all these whisky vlogs you score in the 80s and 90s. When does a whisky deserve to get a say below 70 or 50 for instance?? Any examples?

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah that's the standard scoring range for a lot of reviewers. I have a score guide under each video. I rarely give out any scores in the 70s or lower for the simple reason that I buy bottles and I do my research before I buy. It's still my money being spent, so I put it towards bottles that I can both review and enjoy. I think the last bottle to score in the 70s was Ballechin 10. 🥃

[@mtpanning]

Kind of like saying, "Which is your favorite... the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot?" (I like Bigfoot best)

[@precariousdave]

Heathen! Everyone knows that Nessie is funky and Bigfoot is just a poor man's Yeti. Pistols at dawn?

[@mtpanning]

@@precariousdave Sir, I'll have you know that Bigfoot is not a poor man's Yeti, he is a rich man's Sasquatch. Unlike Nessie, he is entirely real, of course, and he drinks Octomore and Laphroaig 10 cask strength at breakfast. These are established facts. Nessie is a smudge on the camera lens, of course.

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Springbank by a nose. Nice review mate

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks buddy! 🥃

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Geoff 😂 😂 you Canuck you 😂 eh! Thanks for this head to head tasting. I have only one of each and if I had to choose, SB is my choice. Kilkerran 12 ( my bottles are from 2021 and are bourbon only) are quite delicious 😋 too. Take care and kindest regards, S.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah agree. Great minds think alike, eh? Cheers S! 🥃

[@elduderino3120]

I have the good fortune to be able to do this same taste comparison. I think SB10 is the better “traditional” whisky profile, is maybe more complex and nuanced, but only slightly. Kilkerran 12 is more interesting, bolder notes, and at this time of year, edges the contest for me. I’d say the Kilkerran 8 Sherry cask beats the snot out of SB10 but I haven’t compared it against a cask-strength SB (yet!). Funny thing is, I’ve got the Ardna Sherry cask open and would pick that above either. Commenters lamenting the impossibility of finding SB10 in your market: it’s very good, yes, but there are many other better whiskies out there. PC10 uber alles for me in 2023, still not topped by anything

[@GlenLossie]

Speaking of better value, in my market in Canada, for the price of a Springbank 10 (were you lucky enough to find it or win one in a lottery) which was C$100, a person could have bought both the Benromach 10 and Craigellachie 13 for C$50 a bottle, an exact two to one proposition.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

At this point, it would be impossible for me to taste Springbank and not be disappointed by it, It could never live up the expectations I’ve build up for it.

[@lukashavel7690]

They are too similar for my taste. The old thin KK12 bottle was unique. Shame that instead of it we got this Springbank with a Kilkerran sticker. :/

[@Gwhisky]

They're similar, but the side-by-side did help highlight some of the differences. 🥃

[@michaelkolenda3605]

good nose, solid review

[@RobertSingleton-dw9yh]

Couple of Belters!

[@Gwhisky]

Definitely! 🥃

[@pinoyvlogger5486]

1923 😂

[@deeshmond]

99% of whiskey folks will disagree with me I’m sure, but just I do not see Springbank as the greatest distillery in the world. I think there are better options (yeah yeah yeah, I’m an “idiot” blah blah). That said, my opinion could very well be biased due to them being impossible to find now

[@Gwhisky]

I love SB, but not everyone does. I think you'd be surprised how many enthusiasts would respect your opinion. I find there are very few idiots in this community who would diminish others for having different preferences. 🥃

[@cliffnorman178]

Kilkerran label is in my opinion the worst on planet earth. It looks like an image taken from the inside of a jail cell, looking through the cell bars to the outside. Thank goodness the contents are simply superb.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah true it does look like you're looking out from a prison cell. 🥃