SMWSA Cask No. 27.97
Campbeltown
57.6% ABV
Distilled May 1998
$110
US Allocation: 180 bottles
Winter 2012 Outturn Release
What the SMWSA Says:
Stunning for its age? Creamy fudge, condensed milk, Golden Syrup on hot buttered toast; Caramac toffee/chocolate; ‘Dolce de Leche’ (Argentinian pastries). A very sweet taste, then mouth drying, with a thread of smoke in the finish; caramelised cashew nuts and fresh kindling wood. A drop of water musters crushed rosemary, beurre noir, ‘lemon lollies in warm sand’, sea-salt and a trace of struck matches; the taste smooth and viscous, with a light sweetness balanced by dry tannins; allspice, leather and tobacco in the finish. A classic old-fashioned example of the make from Campbeltown’s leading distillery.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Wispy smoke, compost, vanilla toffee sweetness, and hints of mint infused cocoa powder.
Palate: Rich, sweet, and mouth coating. Odd hints of grape Kool-Aid and the bouquet garni from a coq au vin recipe.
Finish: Tannic and dry. It settles into leather and cigar wrapper right out of an old New York men’s club.
Comments: I have said on several occasions that I would be hard pressed to think of Springbank I haven’t liked. They just make great whisky. This is another shining example. Grab this one if you get the chance.
Rating: Must Buy
Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.