Springbank 10 Years
The 10-years single malt whisky from the Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, Scotland, has been the talk of the town in recent years and has experienced a real hype - unfortunately also in terms of price. In the meantime, the hype is slowly dying down and you can now and again get hold of a bottle at the RRP (yes, that's also high).
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression is slightly alcoholic and rather simple. After a while in the glass, the flavours unfold. The usual salty, dirty earthiness of Springbank whiskies spreads out. The flavours then move towards amaretto, marzipan and almonds. A subtle layer of smoke hovers above this. If you allow more time to pass, the nose takes on a sweetish flavour. We think of blossom and forest honey, as well as butter biscuits and white tea. Now and again, there are hints of spicy oak.
Palate
We find many delicate and well-balanced flavours in the taste. Light smoke is present again. However, as in the nose, this remains more of a subtle companion. Now it starts with a pleasant fruit acidity, with lots of oak and a good portion of dried fruit. Accompanied by sea asparagus. A few sips later, aromas of banana chips, honey and almost burnt almonds dominate the flavour, which can be described as round and mild.
Finish
The malty finish is of medium length and brings sweet almonds, spicy oak and a little pepper kick.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
Springbank 10 Year brings real joy to the glass with its sweet-salty complexity and delicate smoke – a true characterful dram that’s a lot of fun, though at this price you really need to be a big fan.
Sascha 80/100
A well-balanced single malt with a harmonious structure and subtle smoky note, impressing with its complexity, but given the high price, it doesn’t quite offer the best value for money.
Value for Money: Fair
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What distinguishes the Springbank 10 Year compared to other Campbeltown whiskies?
Springbank 10 Year combines the typical salty, earthy grittiness of Campbeltown with a fine balance of amaretto, almonds, and a subtle smoky note. This combination makes it complex yet approachable, setting it apart from other whiskies in the region.
How should you best enjoy the Springbank 10 Year to fully experience its aromas?
It’s best to let the whisky breathe in the glass for a few minutes after pouring, allowing the aromas of amaretto, honey, and smoke to unfold. It works well neat or with a small splash of water to better highlight the fruity acidity and oak notes.
Why is the Springbank 10 Year so complex in flavor despite being only 10 years old?
Springbank uses a combination of different cask types and a traditional production method involving partial triple distillation. This creates a layered aromatic profile where fruity, spicy, and smoky notes blend harmoniously, even though the whisky has matured for just 10 years.