Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength was launched in 2010. For its maturation they use sherry hogsheads (60%) and refill sherry butts (40%). The fifth batch was released at the beginning of 2013.
Springbank 12 yo ‘Cask Strength’
(53,1%, OB 2013, Batch 5)
Springbank 12 yo ‘Cask Strength’Nose: very mineral, with lots of graphite. A little austere, with some garage smells and dusty grains. Light peat. Wild flowers and hay. Hints of ginger. After time it makes place for a few rounder notes like sugared corn flakes and vanilla.
Mouth: spicy and oily, still the typical Springbank austerity with soft resinous notes but definitely more roundness now as well. Oranges and vanilla. Sweet peat and liquorice. Grain biscuits. Hints of toffee and fruits.
Finish: long, dry and spicy with some lemon zest and maybe a hint of aspirin.
I didn’t find much sherry in this batch, and as you may know, I’m not a big fan of the flinty, austere Springbank profile. It’s well made but I prefer their rounder sherry releases. Around € 50.
Score: 84/100