Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 18th Release

A tantalizing display of Springbank complexity.

Springbank's annual releases promise a taste of cask strength heaven, prized by whisky lovers and now moreso collectors. This year there's a slight deviation from their usual barrel regime, drawing 50% of the whisky from bourbon casks and 50% from sherry casks (previous editions have been aged in 30% bourbon casks and 70% sherry casks).

Showcasing the powerful flavour profile of Springbank's coastal style, the whisky was summed up by one seasoned taster as "Better than most $300+ bottles out there on shelves today." Beware, Australian allocations are less than last years.

Tasting note: Brilliant gold. The new cask ratio shifts the bouquet closer to the 'Local Barley' series - as opposed to previous bottlings which have shown more brute force, more sherry and more peat. Upping the Bourbon oak lets the purity of Springbank's coastal spirit shine. Shortbread and buttery, creamy notes as well as beeswax, pipe tobacco and a hint of sea breeze come through; the peat forming an oily glaze over the barley. Tasted on three occasions this seems (slightly) more subtle and understated than earlier releases too, and for that reason perhaps more engaging. It offers a typical display of Springbank complexity: Everything is happening at once and at natural strength - so it's a lot to take in. Threads of cocoa, caramel and shortbread arrive through the massive barley attack which is also oily and peppery. An injection of dried fruits provides a luscious succulence to the finish while a late coastal tang adds vibrancy. Peat carries the aftertaste. It's a very weighty, multifaceted malt and another tantalizing Springbank bottling that leaves you guessing and coming back. Give it time and it keeps on giving. 54.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Note from Springbank... "Rich & Malty; milk chocolate, honey, creme brulee and caramel shortcake. Then sandal wood shavings with typical Springbank coastal notes of sea salt and brine."