The Nectar has a great tradition of selecting Springbank single casks for the Belgian market (usually in time for their Spirits in the Sky festival in November). Keep an eye on them, they’re usually quite outstanding.
The latest release was a fresh rum cask filled in April 2000 and bottled after 15 years of maturation.
Springbank 15 yo 2000 (46,5%, OB for The Nectar 2015, fresh rum cask, 198 btl.)
Springbank 15 yo 2000 (46,5%, OB for The Nectar 2015, fresh rum cask, 198 btl.)Nose: it’s easy to detect the minerals and chalky notes of the original 15. Aspirin included. But it is much more rounded, the rum adds plenty of lemon pie and rhubarb. Schweppes Agrum. There’s still this green, herbal side as well.
Mouth: sweet and sour start on grapefruit and lemon, followed by a hint of candy sugar and banana sweets. Something of vinho verde as well. Then back to salty notes, earthy minerals and a lightly herbal / medicinal touch. The rum is easy to notice but it finds a really nice balance with the spirit.
Finish: long, on raisins, brine and mint.
I’m not a big fan of the original Springbank 15 Year Old, but this single rum cask brings the spirit a big step further in my opinion. Another very good single cask Springbank for The Nectar. Around € 120, still a few bottles available.
Score: 88/100