Springbank is a distillery with a loyal following, so their range of Springbank 12 Years Cask Strength releases was always destined to become a cult classic. We’ve arrived at Batch 26, but just for good measure I’ll also throw in a review of Batch 20 (bottled in 2020).
There are a few distilleries with ranges that have grown into something of a cult series, especially Aberlour and their many dozens of batches of the a’bunadh come to mind. Benromach has been trying to emulate this success as well, when they replaced the 100 Proof with Cask Strength Vintages, but I’ve yet to hear of anyone collecting all the batches.
For sure there’s no series as highly regarded as the Springbank 12 Years Cask Strength. (I’m talking whisky that’s kind of affordable here, not premium or luxury releases.) Quite a bit of batch variation over time, even a 100% bourbon edition at one point, which keeps things interesting.
In terms of cask recipe Batch 20 and Batch 26 are almost identical. The former consists of 65% ex-bourbon casks and 35% ex-sherry casks. The latter is made from 60% ex-bourbon casks and 35% ex-sherry casks, as well as 5% ex-rum casks.
Springbank 12 Years Cask Strength (55.3%, OB ‘Batch 20’, 2020)
Nose: Quite a savoury first impression. A hint of smoked paprika powder and streaky bacon, but then it’s all burlap, dunnage floor and damp oak. Also familiar elements like charcoal and a car mechanic’s oily rag. In the background some jammy apricots, maybe a hint of apple skin and certainly a distinct maltiness.
Taste: Oily mouthfeel. Hints of honey, whispy smoke and a flinty minerality. There’s a faint tropicality here, which really enhances the profile, such as dried pineapple and ripe apricots. Just a pinch of pepper too, as well as some olive brine, diesel and aniseed.
Finish: Medium to long. Whispers of minerals, earthy peat and traditional Springbank funk.
Springbank 12 Years Cask Strength (56.2%, OB ‘Batch 26’, 2024)
Nose: Comparatively bright with hints of charred pineapple and grilled peaches, but also some figs and cranberries. Of course, there’s gentle, earthy peat alongside wood smoke, mineral notes and a slight chalkiness also. And lest not forget the musty dunnage notes.
Taste: A more immediate tropical note this go-round. Certainly plenty of citrus, maybe some pineapple and definitely a hint of papaya. Interestingly maritime with a nice salinity, but there’s also a good pinch of pepper and a sliver of nougat. Finally, the earthy peat is distant, but notable.
Finish: Medium to long. Soft peat, hints of burlap, a touch of sandalwood and lingering pepper. Not much fruitiness left, now more herbaceous.
Photos: Whiskybase
