Each one of the modern Springbank Local Barley releases were highly anticipated and this fifth edition—supposedly the last in the series—is no exception. If you want to get in the mood for my tasting note on the latest release, maybe check out my blogs on the four previous ones:
- Springbank 16 Years Local Barley (2016)
- Springbank 11 Years Local barley (2017)
- Springbank 10 Years Local Barley (2017)
- Springbank 9 Years Local Barley (2018)
As you’ve probably noticed, each release has gotten younger. This one bucks that trend though. Like the 9 year old released in 2018, this was produced from Optic barley from the High Cattadale Farm, most likely the same harvest. It matured in 77% bourbon casks, 20% sherry casks and 3% port casks.
Springbank 10 Years Old Local Barley (56.2%, OB, 2019)
Nose: Sweet citrus notes and touches of bung cloth, but also nectarine and peaches. Touches of mellow smoke and melted butter with a whiff of burnt toast. It’s slightly waxy with a hint of fudge. A faint minerality. Highly complex.
Taste: Nice and oily mouthfeel, coating the inside of my cheeks. Top notch once again, with a proper citrus influence, almost truly tropical. The peat smoke is soft and gentle. Somewhat earthy. Notes of tobacco leaves, as well as white pepper and ginger.
Finish: Long with notes of damp oak, salt and diesel.
Score: 89
I’m sorry if this is getting boring, but praise God for Springbank—and I’m not religious in the least bit. Yes, this wasn’t cheap upon release and has become even more expensive on the secondary market. And yet, it offers wonderful value for money.
Photo: Master of Malt
