Springbank 15 Years
The distillery Springbank is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that have not been acquired by any major corporation. Additionally, it is one of the few distilleries in the historic region of Campbeltown. Known for its traditional production methods and its distinctive, artisanal heritage, Springbank has been hard to overlook recently. Today, we're tasting the 15-years expression.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Upon nosing, robust fruity notes greet us immediately. We encounter a generous portion of sherry accompanied by dark chocolate, roasted dates, and a hint of caramel. In the background, there's a subtle citrus note. The velvety aroma is rounded off by light smoke and some maritime notes.
Palate
On the palate, this Springbank is also very robust. Strong spice and pleasant oak underpin a bouquet of nuts and dried fruits. Allowing it some time in the mouth reveals leathery flavors, raisins, figs, and a touch of earthiness.
Finish
The Single Malt continues its expected trajectory in the finish as well. Robust, powerful, spicy, and very long. We discover great malty sweetness and the lingering aromas of oak, leather, and sherry.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
The Springbank 15 captivates with its multi-layered character and creamy indulgence – a true Campbeltown treasure that’s a joy to drink. Despite the hefty price tag, you can definitely treat yourself to the dramatic pleasure of this artisanal malt, even if the hype seems a bit overblown.
Sascha 86/100
An impressively balanced composition of sherry, oak, and spicy notes that gives the 15-years Springbank a strong structural backbone. The complex harmony justifies the craftsmanship, though price and availability remain points to scrutinize critically.
Value for Money: Fair
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What makes the production method of Springbank 15 years special compared to other Scotch whiskies?
Springbank 15 years is produced entirely on-site at the distillery—from malt preparation through distillation to maturation. The distillery employs traditional methods, including triple distillation and extended aging in sherry casks, which impart the whisky’s complex character.
How does the origin from the Campbeltown region influence the taste of Springbank 15 years?
Campbeltown is known for its maritime influences and lightly smoky whiskies. In the Springbank 15 years, these traits are reflected in subtle sea notes, gentle smoke, and a spicy depth typical of this historic region.
Which aromas are particularly noticeable when tasting Springbank 15 years?
On the nose, fruity sherry notes dominate, along with dark chocolate, roasted dates, and caramel, accented by hints of citrus and light smoke. On the palate, spicy oak flavors, nuts, dried fruits, as well as leathery and earthy nuances emerge, accompanied in the long finish by malty sweetness and wood tones.