Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18 54.8% 700ml

The Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18 is a whisky bottle with a unique flavor profile and an interesting history. This whisky is produced by the Springbank distillery, one of the last family-owned distilleries in Scotland, located in a remote part of the country on the Kintyre Peninsula. The distillery has been licensed since 1828 and has a rich history of producing high-quality single malt whiskies.

The 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18 is a semi-annual release from the distillery, introduced in 2010 to replace the 12 year old 100 proof. This particular batch was bottled in 2018 and has a strength of 54.8%. It was matured in a combination of ex-Sherry, ex-Bourbon, ex-Burgundy, and ex-Port casks, with 50% of the whisky being aged in each type of cask.

This whisky has a complex flavor profile, with notes of cereal, earth, tar, and burnt rubber on the nose. There are also maritime and mineral notes, with a touch of iodine. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of ripe mango, grilled nuts, a touch of varnish, and herbal notes of thyme, anise, and licorice. The finish is long and smoky, with a touch of citrus and a lingering note of thyme and anise.

This whisky is a true classic from Springbank, showcasing the distillery's unique style and identity. It is a must-try for any whisky enthusiast looking to explore the flavors of Campbeltown single malts.

FAQs

• What makes the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18 unique?

  This batch is matured in a blend of ex-Sherry, ex-Bourbon, ex-Burgundy, and ex-Port casks, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile.

• What is the alcohol by volume (ABV) of this whisky?

  The ABV of Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18 is 54.8%.

• How should I drink Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18?

  It can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or over ice to release its complex aromas and flavors.

• What is the best way to store this whisky?

  Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its quality.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Cereal, earth, tar, burnt rubber, maritime notes, mineral, iodine, machine oils, maritime peat, wet leather jacket, herbal-spicy, waxy, chalky, fruity, sherry casks, applesauce, crushed bananas, vanilla pods, curry powder, thyme, pepper, marzipan bread, almond, iodine-like peat smoke, plum, dark chocolate, wood shavings, black pepper heat, cloves.
• Taste: Ripe mango, grilled nuts, varnish, thyme, anise, licorice, vanilla-toffee, sherry flavors, minor peaty impressions, nutty-marzipan, hot-spicy, wooden notes, banana purée, red apple, sea salt, pepper, peppermint leaf, cold coffee, toffee sweets, vanilla ice cream, marzipan, nougat, baked apples, pears, honeyed vanilla, green malt, lemon peels, acidity, cinnamon, ginger.
• Finish: Long, smoky, citrus, thyme, anise, chocolatey, spices, salt liquorice, red apples, dried orange peel, dark chocolate, oak influence, ashy peat, plankish charcoal oak, confectionary, pepper, vanilla, pastry, salted caramel, cooked fruits.
• Overall: This whisky offers a rich and multifaceted profile that evolves with time. The complex layering of aromas and flavors makes it a standout in the Springbank range. The balance between the sherry and bourbon casks, coupled with maritime and mineral notes, provides a satisfying experience from nose to finish.

Reviewer's Opinion

The Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Batch 18 is an exemplary representation of what makes Springbank a revered name in the whisky world. With its intricate flavor profile and balanced maturation, this whisky offers a rewarding experience that both new enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs will appreciate. The distillery has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality and tradition, making this bottle a commendable addition to its portfolio.