Springbank 10 Years Review


Country: Scotland
Brand: Springbank
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Region: Campbeltown
Age: 10 Years
Alcohol: 46%

Colour: Straw/Sherry

Nose: Strong Peat. Heather. Light Smoke and Leather. Oak and Malt coming through after a while. There is a slight Saltiness as well but it’s difficult to place. It’s not the sea like in the Islay spirits. It’s more like Brine. Some sweetness arrives. Is it Sherry or Orange liquor? It’s hard to say really. It’s a very interesting nose that’s for sure. And it takes a while in the glass to present itself. Patience is required but you will be rewarded.

Taste: Smooth and slightly Oily delivery. Nice balance between Peat Smoke, Malt, Oranges, Coconut and Spices (Cloves and Pepper). Maybe a bit too spicy?

Finish: Medium long to long. Warming. Dry. Nuts. A bit of a sour perfume-like feeling after a while. Could do without that. But it disappears while the Peat and light Ashes linger on for a while.

Rating: 85,5

Nose: 22,5 – Taste: 21 – Finish: 21 – Overall: 21

General Remarks: The Campbeltown region is the most southerly point on the west coast of Scotland. Today there remain only two distilleries namely Springbank and Glen Scotia. Springbank is one of a very few distilleries left that performs the whole process from malting to bottling on its own premises. The whisky is distilled 2,5 times, is non chill-filtered and does not contain caramel.
I added a couple of drops of water. Although it did away with the strong Pepper on the palate I still advise against it, as it seems to leave the spirit unbalanced. Which is quite noticeable given its 46%.

Drinking Experience Neat: Very Good.

Conclusion: Very interesting Single Malt which I will certainly drink again. It is an intriguing combination of Islay and Speyside types of whisky. It is quite peated, something your palate has to get used to. It’s not perfect but certainly a whisky worthwhile exploring.

Jan van den Ende                                                                 October 14, 2011

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