Review by: Whiskery Turnip

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Distillery: Springbank.

Bottler: Cadenhead’s.

Region: Scotland/Campbeltown Single Malt.

ABV: 51%. Cask Strength.

Age: 16 Years. Distilled on 24 Nov. 2000. Bottled in 2017.

Cask type: Lammerlaw New Zealand Whisky Barrel.

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Nose: Citrus and sea with soft lemon and coastal brine, subtle minerals, coconut oil and beach bronzers maintained the coastal focus with dried grass and sunbaked dunes, hints of copper and an earthy funk in the background.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily and bright, crisp citrus with orange, clementines, and calamansi; mellow metallic notions of copper or iron, wispy charcoal smoke, chalk, coastal brine and dried grass, charred wood and a moderate bitterness toward the end.

Finish: Medium to long with wispy smoke, drying wood, and mild citrus pith.

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Mental Image: Beach Bar Morning Shift.

Conclusion: Crisp and oily, I loved the interplay of beachy citrus and a metallic bite— even if it sometimes reminded me of orange juice in a metal thermos.  The flavors were moderately complex but fairly well-defined, with lovely variations in the type of citrus that came forward.  Wispy smoke was generally absent on the nose but became a critical through-line for the palate and finish. The only real defect was the woody bitterness toward the end, almost like charred wood or charcoal dust, which lingered on the slightly drying finish.  I do not usually mind bitterness; I seem more up for it than most, but that note stuck out like a sore thumb here and not as well-integrated with the rest of the flavors.

Overall, good and pleasant to sip on. Every once in a while, I come across a whisky where I find myself almost certain that if I owned a bottle and had time to sit with it for a couple of years, I would score it higher.  This was one of those times. It was pleasant sipping across a few nights, but I wondered if some of those bitter notes might fade with time.

Final Score: 80.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.