An oldie to honour The Whisky Fair this weekend. This is one of the pear-shaped bottles used by Springbank in the 1960s and 1970s (not only for the 21 year old).
There are different versions with subtle differences. Notice how this label has a shiny silver background and the capsule is black. The label can also have a white background and the capsule can be gold. On top of this, there’s a version with “100% pure malt” on the label, instead of “single malt”. And there are two possible strengths, 43% and 46%.
Springbank 21 yo (43%, OB 1970s, pear shape bottle, silver label)
Springbank 21 yo (43%, OB 1970s, pear shape bottle, silver label)Nose: influenced by OBE, which is not uncommon after forty years in glass of course. Dusty and slightly metallic. But still nice, with heather honey, apples and light caramel. Hints of wax and pine forest.
Mouth: sweet and rather subtle. Sweet barley, a little baked pear. Some vegetal notes and herbs. Faint mineral notes. Funny notes of cashew nuts, but gone before you know it.
Finish: medium long, slightly dry and herbal but still with a caramel undertone.
Nice old-style Springer, not very complex, nor very punchy, but nice anyhow. Remember bottles with OBE, no matter how nice it can be, are difficult to score. Around € 300-400 in auctions. Thanks Carsten.
Score: 87/100