Springbank Local Barley 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

New for late 2017 (in Europe) and just arrived here. The Local Barley bottlings are getting younger and younger, while the allocations get smaller, however the series hasn't missed a beat. These whiskies combine a bit of provenance and terroir with a proper small-scale craft approach, sourcing barley from farms around Campbeltown. The 10 year old is reportedly more in line with the 16 than with last year’s 11 year old. Possibly, because last year’s used 'Bere barley'. This one reverts to the popular 'Belgravia' variety, grown at West Beck farm, four miles from the distillery. It promises a big, oily whisky, and due to its relative youth, there won't be a lot of oak getting in the way. Stocks are well down on last year's so don't dally.

According to Words Of Whisky, "Proper oily stuff. Sweet and citrus-y, with a light touch of brine, tobacco leaves and very soft peat smoke. A tad earthy. Some vanilla and honey too, but they are secondary. Not complex, but right up my alley. Lovely, lovely stuff."

Notes from Springbank …. Nose: The nose on this dram is constantly changing and always exquisite. Pick your favourite dessert: vanilla ice-cream with butterscotch sauce, pecan pie or creme caramel. Custard cream biscuit and chocolate honeycomb are also present. The tasting panel has a sweet tooth. Palate: The whisky has a lovely delicate floral quality of lemongrass and citrus tea. There’s also the sweetness of almonds and marzipan which is balanced with a hint of peat and ends on a note of luxury, pure smooth velvet. Finish: You can tell this was matured in a dunnage warehouse, with the soft earthy finish. At the end you can taste salted caramel and the spiciness of freshly baked cinnamon buns drizzled with honey. 57.3% Alc./Vol.