Nose: a nice mix of hob nobs, garden fruit sweetness, lemon zest, leafy notes and broken branches. Then also wildflowers, sheep wool and wet gravel. A whiff of vanilla ice cream and custard. Light touches of new plastics. Graphite. A bit simple, to be honest. It’s the most classic Springbank nose, there’s less of the typical greasy smoke and minerality.
Mouth: that’s more like it. More coastal, with a slightly muddy / farmy side, chalky notes, linseed oil and gentle mineral peat, as well as sweet grapefruit, lime and plum cake. Some resinous and medicinal notes. Seawater. Ink. Subtle vanilla sweetness in the background.
Finish: quite long, chalky and mineral, with plenty of salty notes.
A good 10 year old Springbank, definitely, even though I find the nose a little disappointing.
BOW (89)
Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6%: A Refined Gem from Campbeltown
Nestled on the picturesque Kintyre Peninsula in western Scotland, the Springbank distillery stands as a testament to the enduring craft of single malt whisky production. Owned by J & A Mitchell & Company, Springbank is a family-owned distillery that has preserved its heritage while innovating within the world of whisky.
One of its notable creations is the Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6%, a limited-edition expression that exemplifies the distillery's dedication to quality and tradition.
A Tribute to Local Ingredients: Belgravia Barley
The Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6% is a rare and exceptional whisky that showcases the influence of its key ingredient – the Belgravia Barley from Glencraigs Farm in Cambeltown. This local barley infuses the spirit with unique character and flavor, reflecting the region's terroir and contributing to the whisky's distinct identity.
Maturation and Craftsmanship
Distilled in May 2011 and bottled in December 2021, this expression reaches its pinnacle after a decade of maturation. The whisky is matured exclusively in 100% bourbon casks, allowing the spirit to develop complexity and depth from the interaction with the oak. This careful cask selection demonstrates Springbank's commitment to producing whiskies that marry tradition with innovation.
A Symphony of Flavors
The Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6% is a harmonious composition of flavors and aromas. On the nose, one can expect a delightful interplay of honeyed sweetness, ripe orchard fruits, and subtle hints of vanilla from the bourbon casks. As the whisky caresses the palate, a rich tapestry of flavors unfolds – from creamy toffee and toasted oak to nuances of tropical fruit and a gentle touch of spices.
Campbeltown's Last Survivor
Campbeltown, once a thriving hub of whisky production with over thirty active distilleries, has now dwindled to just a handful. Springbank stands as a guardian of this legacy, producing three distinct brands – Springbank, Hazelburn, and Longrow. Each brand offers a unique experience, and the Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6% is a remarkable representation of the Springbank brand's craftsmanship.
A Whisky-Making Journey
What sets Springbank apart is its commitment to an artisanal and traditional approach to whisky-making. From malting its barley on-site to bottling the final spirit, Springbank oversees every aspect of the production process. The distillery's three copper pot stills – used in combinations to produce different malt varieties – contribute to the distinctiveness of their expressions.
Legacy and Future
The Springbank distillery has weathered storms, economic challenges, and changing times, emerging stronger with a renewed dedication to its craft. The Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6% is not just a whisky; it's a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to producing exceptional spirits that pay homage to tradition while embracing innovation.
As enthusiasts and connoisseurs savor the layers of flavor and character in each sip of the Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley 51.6%, they also raise a glass to the resilience of Campbeltown's whisky heritage. With each bottle of this rare gem, Springbank invites us to celebrate the artistry, history, and legacy of single malt whisky production in its purest form.
