Just last week I spend a lot of time on Glen Scotia, interviewing distillery manager Iain McAlister and questioning how much the distillery benefits from their location in Campbeltown. The reason I raised those doubts is because of the looming shadow of their neighbours and true behemoth of the Scotch malt whisky world, Springbank. So, I figured it was only fitting to give them some attention as well, by way of a review of the Springbank 10 Years.
Over the years I tasted my fair share of Springbank, much of them from the higher segment, be it single casks bottled by independent bottlers or limited editions from the distillery itself. I’ve tried Springbank young and old. However, during my exploration of Springbank I’ve consistently overlooked the very affordable and highly praised youngster from the distillery’s core range, the Springbank 10 Years.
I recently bought a few bottles of the Springbank 10 Years largely because I’ve been hearing so many good things. But seeing as I buy more than I drink (an affliction many whisky enthusiast has to deal with), I simply hadn’t gotten around to opening one of those bottles. However, now that Serge Valentin once again waxed lyrically about the Springbank 10 Years and called it the “#1 bang-for-your-buck whisky for sure, an utter star-killer“, I just couldn’t delay uncorking mine.
Made in probably the most traditional way imaginable (it is a Springbank after all), this single malt matured in 60% ex-bourbon casks and 40% ex-sherry casks.
Springbank 10 Years (46%, OB, 2020)
Nose: Old leather books and nougat with some quinces and oranges, as well as touches of ozone and wet pebbles. There’s a whisper of anise and soot followed by dense, earthy smoke.
Taste: A waxy mouthfeel with a peppery arrival, followed by melted salted butter, charred lemon and sweet tangerines. There’s light touches of menthol and tobacco, with finally a whisper of hemp rope and leafiness.
Finish: Medium to long with notes of bitter grass, soot and a nice salinity. Finally some oranges.
Photo: The Whisky Exchange
I do enjoy reading Whisky Fun (HP 10 is not a 90 point whisky though in my opinion) and love Springbank 10, but with its ever increasing demand and limited supply, I can’t see it being a “bang for your buck” whisky for long.
I wouldn’t fear that as much. I don’t think Springbank will hike the price of their 10 much, and it is not a brand known well outside the circles of informed whisky drinkers. But you’re that there isn’t much to go around.
Thijs, The Springbank 10 has been available for around €40 for quite some time. Have I missed the increase of the price, because it is now €60/70?!
I guess you did. It should be between 40/50 euro. But because of scarcity some shops will have you pay more.