Review by: Raygun

Springbank hardly needs an introduction at this point. Hyped to the point of being barely attainable at this point. I see the 10 reasonably regularly, but that’s about it. I have fond memories of being able to find the 12 CS for around $90 back in the ancient days of 2018 or so. Not anymore. Springbank puts out an 18 every year, but the cask blend is always a little bit different. First time I’ve tried any. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Springbank

Bottler: Springbank    

Region/style: Campbeltown single malt Scotch

ABV: 46%

Age: 18 years old. Released in 2023.   

Cask type: 65% bourbon, 20 sherry, and 15% rum.

Color:  1.6 mahogany. Natural color and non-chill-filtered. Natural color and non-chill-filtered. For only 20% sherry, it’s very dark. Could be the rum, too.

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Nose: More peat than I usually find in Springbank, with a sooty aspect. Snuffed candle. Figs, dates, and orange. Brown sugar, cookies, and a little bit of tar or asphalt. There’s an herbal flavor of some kind, like Chinese medicine..                        

Palate: Again a distinctly sooty kind of peat with a little bit of pulled pork. The sherry is doing a lot of work here even at a low percentage of the mix. Figs, oranges, dates, and some tobacco. There’s the asphalt kind of flavor. It has a dirty aspect for sure. Seems to get more herbal with time. Mint, pine, and something else, again reminiscent of Chinese medicine.  

Finish: The dirty, sooty flavors seem stronger now. Could be some of the rum influence there. Still has sugar cookies, oranges, and dates. Some creme caramel. Medium oak. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Mint returns.     

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Conclusion: Alas, it’s really good. Was kind of hoping it would be overhyped, and honestly, it still is. I don’t think I’d pay $300+, which is probably what it would take. There’s a reason Springbank got so hyped: they really are doing something quite unique. It is excellent; more interesting than I remember the 15 being. There is a lot to sift through, but it all comes together well. I’ve never had anything quite like it, and I always appreciate a new experience. Shame it’s not more attainable.

Score: 88

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)