Springbank 100° Proof 5 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

100% Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm 

 

 

 

This is a new addition to Springbank’s Core Range, which was launched last year, and it is rare enough to be worth noting. The distillery operates entirely by hand, so it is impossible to increase production; the fact that a new expression exists is therefore surprising. But that’s all to the good, as it gives us the chance to discover new facets of its character; with a younger spirit, it will be more powerful and assertive. It is a tribute to old-fashioned whiskies, sold at 100° Proof at a time when gunpowder was used to measure a cask’s alcohol content. The whisky was aged entirely in Bourbon casks, which makes sense if you want to honour tradition. For those interested, the one I’m tasting comes from the third batch of this expression, due to go on sale in early 2026. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A briny freshness, cut hay, notes of the farm and the barn, creamy vanilla, and a hint of exotic fruit. A fairly pronounced smokiness, charcoal, damp grass, and finally a rather mineral, even chalky, character. A pinch of coarse sea salt. On the palate, it’s very bourbon-like, smooth, liquid honey, a zest of citrus, cake batter, pastry cream, then fierce spices, cumin, horseradish, clove. A lovely finish, long and not too harsh, tobacco leaf, cigarette ash, coffee grounds, cola nut, holly leaf and a drop of salted caramel. Lacquered wood.

 

In Short, 

The profile is quite similar to Springbank 10 Year Old, but it’s more robust, the peat is stronger, and the fruit notes are more pronounced. On the other hand, it is less complex, less floral and less malty. It is obviously a good Springbank – anything else would have been very surprising – and it offers good value for money. However, I still prefer the 10-year-old, and I think it is better to find more 10-year-olds than this one, if you have to choose. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Hanry - Aurora