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
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