Springbank 2017 100° Proof 5 yo Selected for Springbank Society Members by Findlay Ross

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

Fresh Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

The Springbank Society is a very exclusive club, as I’ve been told that membership is limited. At the same time, they’re quite generous, since most of their exclusive bottlings end up on reputable retail sites, though the price is a bit higher, and you have to act fast to get your hands on a bottle. Take this one, for example, distilled in July 2017 and bottled in March 2023, it spent its early years in Fresh Bourbon Barrels (can someone explain to me what a Fresh Barrel is? And how it differs from a 1st Fill?), before being divided into exactly 2,166 bottles. Findlay Ross is the Production Director of J&A Mitchell & Co. Ltd., the company that owns Springbank and Glengyle, he is therefore one of the pillars of this exceptional distillery, and sometimes he enjoys selecting casks, as he has done here, for our greatest pleasure. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Butter and banana, hints of minerals, biscuit and limestone, subtle whiffs of peat. Caramel, peanut butter, liquid honey, maple syrup on toasted bread. Paraffin, crushed grains, brown sugar. Grapefruit, a light dash of vanilla. Oil-like mouthfeel, yellow plums, mirabelles, Reine-Claudes, generous spices, light woodiness, wax here and there, luscious citrus notes. Long and powerful finish, salt crystals, royal jelly, green apple, vanilla, honey, lime, dried herbs, pastry cream. 

 

In Short, 

It’s a Springbank concentrate with a ton of character, maybe even a little too much, but I didn’t detect any notes of farm or barn, so something’s still missing. It’s very subtle and well-crafted, yet intense, not to mention that you wouldn’t believe it’s so young. It’s worth taking a sip, but buying a bottle is a different story, given the price at which the last remaining bottles are being sold. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                               Yolk - Amber

Orkney (HP) 2011 100 Proof Edition #71 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands 

Bourbon Casks and 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

This is the 7th Orkney in the 100 Proof range launched in 2024 by Signatory Vintage, and it’s the 4th one I’ve tasted. Generally speaking, these are quite good, and they’re all aged 14 years, which is respectable. The sherry influence is always present, sometimes it’s blended with bourbon casks (100 Proof #15 and #38), and sometimes it’s exclusively sherry (100 Proof #23 and #30), but most of the time, it involves a finish in sherry casks, Amontillado (100 Proof #58), Palo Cortado (100 Proof #59), or Oloroso, as is the case here. As a result, although they all come from the same distillery, almost all of these bottlings are different, yet at the same time quite similar. This one is the most recent release, and neither the length of the finish nor the number of bottles released is known. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Warm woody notes, Swiss chocolate and brown sugar. There is some brown sugar and marzipan, a few Muscat grapes and macerated cherries, all bound together by heather honey and freshly tanned leather. A slight briny freshness, a zest of lime and grapefruit, dates, dried apricots. Warm wax. It's oily on the palate, olive oil, vituperative spices, splinters of wood under the tongue, varnish, liquid caramel, raisins, very slight bitterness. A fairly long and powerful finish, slightly charcoal-like, dark tobacco, white plums, crème brûlée, sage leaf, chlorophyll.

 

In Short, 

The sherry is still very prominent, and, although quite complex, I find it too woody. That said, I think this is a flaw that will fade with time, there are many beautiful things in this whiskey, but they’re still underlying, shy, perhaps a little aeration will give them more room to shine. You can sense the subtle influence of bourbon, especially on the finish, along with some elements of the distillery’s profile, coastal notes, though they’re very subtle. Obviously, the price is quite appealing, with this collection, it’s almost too easy to make a purchase. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tapper - This is The Day

Craigellachie 2011 100 Proof Edition #81 15 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Refill Casks and 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The second-to-last bottling currently available in the 100 Proof range, which has been around since January 2024, is this one, a Craigellachie that’s no less than 15 years old. It was finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, undoubtedly for a long time, but unfortunately, the exact duration has not been disclosed. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pressed white grapes, with a woody note. But also mirabelle plums, bananas, grapefruit and lemon. Leather and smoky bark, lichen, very light acidity, red currant jam, dates and dried figs, the influence of sherry is subtle. Molasses and tobacco leaf. On the palate, the influence of the wood is more pronounced, green tea, a slight bitterness, spices, not-quite-ripe Reine-Claude plums, dark chocolate. The finish is long but not very powerful, rough wood, hints of charcoal, heather, warm chestnuts, slightly dry but fertile earth, tobacco crumbs, white cabbage.

 

In Short, 

Like Batch 82, I think it has a very nice nose, but on the palate, the oak is a bit overpowering. The problem with this range is that the oak is too dominant. That said, it’s still a good Craigellachie, and I’m starting to think this distillery is really worth a visit. The prices are low, so fans of this style should definitely give it a try. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Beth Orton - Cigarette Curls

Talisker 1978 The Bodega Series 41 yo

 

 

 

50,7°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands

Refill American Oak Bourbon Casks and Manzanilla Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 22 ppm

 

 

 

The distillery launched this short series, The Bodega Series, in 2018 with a 40-year-old expression. The following year saw the release of this one, a 41-year-old expression from the same vintage. The first had been finished in Amontillado sherry casks, this one was finished in six Manzanilla sherry casks from the Solera La Goya, which belongs to the Delgado Zuleta group, the oldest known sherry producer. This resulted in a limited edition of 2,000 bottles and the oldest Talisker at the time—a record that was broken the very next year with two 42-year-old bottlings. The record now stands at 47 years. The series was supposed to conclude in 2020 with a third bottling, but it never materialized. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is like an eruption of the elements that define Talisker’s profile, coastal notes, iodine, and sea salt, apple crumble seasoned with cinnamon, fatty, autumnal peat, and already crisp fallen leaves. Then a hint of syrupy sherry makes its way through, and balance sets in, candied exotic fruits, mango peel, papaya, dried currants and bananas, chocolate fondant, stuffed vine leaves. On the palate, it’s perfectly oily, mirabelle plums and lychees, peaches and pears, but also oysters and a few bushes. The spices are very subtle but definitely present. The finish is very long, not particularly powerful, actually, figs, chocolate, coffee and a slice of pineapple. Lightly grilled sardine fillets, charcoal powder, aged macerated leather, flambéed bananas, and of course that final pinch of salt, with a peppery note that’s barely perceptible.  

 

In Short, 

To be honest, I didn't taste it under the best conditions. But it seems to me that I've tasted better Talisker whiskies, like this one, where there wasn't any sherry influence. It's an absolutely memorable and superbly crafted Talisker, but for me, it's missing just a tiny bit to live up to expectations. Again, this remains to be confirmed. The price is, of course, astronomical, no need to dwell on that. 

Score : 91 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            This Will Destroy You - The World is Our___

Glen Elgin 2011 100 Proof Edition #82 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Glen Elgin - Speyside

Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is the very latest release in the 100 Proof series. That brings the total to 82 bottlings in just two and a half years, as the series was launched in January 2024. I’d stopped tasting them after Batch 39, but I’ve decided to get back into it and I’m way behind. This one has undergone a fairly long maturation period of 14 years, the last part of which was spent in Oloroso sherry butts. However, we don’t know how long this finish lasted, we don’t know what the initial maturation was, and we don’t know how many bottles were produced either. They do, however, deign to inform us that it is non-chill-filtered and uncoloured. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

An alluring drizzle of sherry, raspberry and cherry, then it balances out, generously waxed exotic wood, chestnut cream, varnish, dried bananas and figs. Mineral notes, crisp caramel, small cooked mushrooms, milk cap. On the palate, Reine-Claude plum jam, treacle, burnt butter, dark chocolate, it is very oaky and spicy, cloves, cumin, nutmeg. A rather intense but not very long finish, chicory, toffee, chocolate fondant, liquorice and chlorophyll. A hint of citrus zest, bark. 

 

In Short, 

I really did like the nose, a lovely expression of sherry, underpinned by elegant oak and a few mineral notes typical of the distillery. On the other hand, it’s less interesting on the palate and in the finish, it’s more aggressive, the cask is too prominent, and the result is a lot of spice. But then, perhaps it will mellow a bit after a few weeks or months once opened. So, a mixed result, but the flaws are made up for by its impressive strength. Given the low price, why not give it a go if you’re a fan of the distillery, though you might well be disappointed. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Wooden Shjips - Back To Land

Springbank 18 yo 2024

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

100% Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured  

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

I had neglected this sample, which I had picked up when the bottle was first released, nearly two years ago now. However, this batch of the famous Springbank 18-year-old, which has been around since 2009, is interesting because it was aged entirely in ex-Bourbon casks, which is quite unusual. Normally, it’s a blend of bourbon and sherry casks. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is very smooth, almond-like, with a shadow of dusty peat, farmyard notes, cut hay, honey, buttered bread, yellow plum pulp, very ripe banana, shards of iodine, minerals, limestone. Slightly dry tall grasses, angelica. On the palate, it’s silky, delicate, lychee, white grapes, a drop of grapefruit, but spices come through immediately, not too strong, cloves, mirabelle plums. Finish not quite explosive but fairly long, stone fruits, butter cookies, Reine-Claude plums, apricot jam, a touch of mint, blond tobacco leaf, hazelnuts and walnuts.

 

In Short, 

This is undoubtedly one of my favorite Springbank 18-year-olds, it’s very similar to the 10-year-old, but much more refined, subtle and complex. It’s also a bit light and sweet, perhaps a little too mild, compared to the distillery’s other expressions that I enjoy a bit more, such as the 12-year-old Cask Strength and the 10-year-old. But there’s no denying its quality, depth, and variety of flavors. It’s truly exceptionally well-crafted. As for the price, the initial retail price is quite reasonable, but it sells out very quickly, and many retailers are now charging well above the suggested price. Consequently, despite the good intentions of the people at the distillery, it’s expensive.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Liz Phair - Shatter

Laphroaig 25 yo Cask Strength 2023

 

 

 

47,3°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

American Oak Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength 

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

It seems this is the very last 25-year-old Cask Strength in this series, which began in 1998. We’ve been waiting for the new batch for three years, but it hasn’t arrived, and we have to come to terms with this painful news: there won’t be any more. Just like the 10-year-old Cask Strength we’ve been waiting for for two years, it seems the distillery is radically overhauling its lineup. And so, as the very last 25-year-old, it has a first distinctive feature: it was aged entirely in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels. No sherry this time. The second unique feature is that the alcohol content is fairly low, which will make it easier to drink. As for the coloring, it’s still unclear, I found a website that claims it isn’t colored, but nothing is mentioned on the others. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is ethereal, particularly dark and earthy. Greasy ash, sea salt, fairly pronounced medicinal notes, sharp iodine, kelp and dried seaweed. All of this is rubbed with lemon peel, it's bursting with citrus, yet it’s also charcoal-like, cavernous, dusty. The peat is very present. A touch of exotic fruits, pineapple, grapefruit, Frécinette banana. Dark chocolate, a dash of vanilla. On the palate, it’s oily, honeyed, heavily peated, but with a wonderful smoothness, lychees, almonds, white peaches. Light mineral notes, limestone, a pinch of salt. Very long finish—not extremely strong, but expressive and herbaceous. Barley sugar, pencil lead, gypsum, bits of charcoal, cucumber, melon, earth, coffee, and tobacco. A dusting of cinnamon. 

 

In Short, 

I loved the nose, which is pure Laphroaig. No doubt the aging exclusively in Bourbon casks brings out the distillery’s character, and it’s truly incredible. On the other hand, on the palate and in the finish, it’s excellent, smooth and balanced, perfect, but it lacks just a touch of power due to the low alcohol content. As with the previous editions I’ve tasted, I’m blown away by the persistence of the peat and the mineral, medicinal, and coastal notes. Even after 25 years, the whiskey retains all its radicalism, but it’s much more harmonious and complex. The price, of course, is very high, even higher than usual, it seems to me. But how can I put it? You don’t haggle over the price of a piece of history. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                              Chrysta Bell - Sycamore Trees

Bowmore 2010 Milroy's 15 yo

 

 

 

53,7°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay 

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Milroy's of Soho

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

Right now, there are a number of independent bottlings from Bowmore on the market, at much more attractive prices than in recent years. Notably this one, aged 15 years, 7 months, and 24 days, which was matured in a single Bourbon barrel that must have allowed the distillate to truly blossom. Milroy’s of Soho is a long-established company, dating back to the 1960s, and it produces only a small number of bottlings each year. This time, it has partnered with The Whisky Agency to launch this Bowmore, which will thus be showcased to its fullest potential. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Creamy nose, lemon pulp, pastry cream, a shovelful of iodine and seaweed, grapefruit, fluffy peat, gravel, a dash of vanilla and pineapple, half-burnt dry hay. Molasses. It’s rustic, almost country-style, Gavottes and coastal notes. On the palate, the citrus is just as prominent, with a peaty undertone, slightly woody, pulpy plums, syrupy bananas, crumbs of charcoal, fairly subtle spices. A very long finish that evolves slowly, lemon tart, shortbread cookies, lime zest, asparagus, a pinch of salt. Volcanic soil full of minerals.

 

In Short, 

I’m slightly disappointed by the nose, which is unstable, sometimes a bit earthy and rustic, and other times pure Bowmore, coastal, subtle, and slightly herbaceous. On the other hand, on the palate and in the finish, it’s exactly what I was hoping for, lots of citrus and even exotic fruits, along with a delicate peatiness. Overall, I’m not sorry I picked up this bottle, and I think it will improve with age, the minor flaws on the nose will certainly fade away. The price is quite reasonable, it’s nice to find an affordable Bowmore again. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ethan Gold - I'm Always Sad