Springbank Local Barley 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A benchmark for the Springbank style.
Already sold out in the UK. Don't miss it!

We’re approaching the end of our journey with Springbank's Local Barley series. This is the fourth of five expressions to be released over five years. Many will be scrambling to complete the set. With collector appeal now gathering momentum in Asia, the LB's are becoming trophies to trade or hide away and sell at auction. The nine year old follows a trend of downward age statements - not necessarily a bad thing, as younger Springbanks are generally our preference. This one's made using 'Optic barley' from Cattadale Farm, just ten miles from the distillery. Filled into a cask ratio of 80% bourbon / 20% sherry in 2009, it was bottled in October 2018 at a natural strength. 9700 bottles were initially available, with the UK already sold out. The Australian allocations represent a small fraction of that.

Tasting note: Brilliant gold / dazzles in the glass. A thick, oily nose-feel; barley sugar overlaid by a wonderful coastal whiff...rockpools, kelp, shellfish... Second pass adds lanolin, white pepper, roasted walnuts, oak shavings. Returning to the glass after five minutes evokes high-end barrel aged mezcal as the sooty / honeyed / fruity combination reaches full harmony. A spritely, oily malt on entry with a fabulous attack. Zesty, lipsmacking freshness develops with honeyed stone fruits, earthy peat, salt and pepper. The mid palate and final stages are superbly sweet and succulent, while adding minimal water accents a fruity aspect. It's tactile, idiosyncratic and quintessentially Campbeltown. Brilliant stuff. 57.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from Springbank... Nose: Traditional Springbank aromas; saltiness, sea shells and fresh oysters bursting through. Followed just as intensely by pepper-jack cheese, honeycomb and vanilla pods. Palate: Whipped cream, pear drops and a heathery note are quickly engulfed by barley water, sherbet mix, sugar cane, nectarines and dandelions. Finish: A gentle dry peat circulates before squashed plums, raisins, cracked pepper and dry straw emerge.