Origin: Campbeltown (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 55%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillifiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: J& A Mitchell & Co Ltd.
Average price: € 110.00
Official website: springbank.scot
The third (of five annual) version of the ten-year-old for the Sherry Wood series, released in late 2024, this time using first-fill Amontillado Sherry casks (fresh, as they call them), in which the distillate has rested for the last five years after the first five in ex-Bourbon refill casks. 9,900 bottles, as usual difficult to find.
The Amontillado Sherry undergoes a first maturation with flor as a Fino, followed by fortification and more time in casks, but without the protection of yeast, with the addition of small quantities of PX.
Tasting Notes
The nose is an explosion of red fruits (gooseberry, redcurrant, wild strawberry, raspberry) and pink grapefruit, gradually softened by orange marmalade (in the form of Jaffa cakes), rosolio, pistachio and a distinctly mineral, earthy note. This is followed by notes of tobacco, leather, musty wood and sea breeze. Sharp. With the addition of water, it becomes softer, giving way to notes of cocoa, ripe cherries and coffee.
On the palate, the sour and red soul of the nose returns with a vengeance, also embodied by blood orange, with chilli pepper, ginger and a hint of rhubarb. An unpleasant alcoholic sting accompanies nuts (pistachio, walnuts), chocolate, liquorice root, cigar tobacco, plenty of tannins and, finally, damp loam and salt. Water brings out the smoke of a fireplace.
Smoke that persists in the medium-long finish, always accompanied by red notes with a distinct iodised saltiness, nuts, chocolate, coffee, tobacco leaves and leather.
Between the off-centered strength and the overpowering character of the finishing casks, Springbank’s character struggles to emerge, producing a messy and far from memorable dram that requires the addition of water to regain balance and pleasantness. Pity.
Vote: 81/100