Springbank 1972 (Chieftain’s cask #410)

Old Springbank, distilled October 1972, bottled October 2002 in the Chieftain’s series by Ian MacLeod.

Springbank 30 yo 1972 (57,8%, Chieftain’s 2002, sherry butt #410, 576 btl.)

Nose: deep sherry nose, with lots of plums and cocoa, as well as some aromatic dried apricots. Hints of overripe mango. Then back to classic cherries, fresh figs with cinnamon. Drier, leathery notes in the background, as well as some sandalwood and tobacco. Oh my, the tropical side really grows after a while, with more guava, nectarine and hints of barbecued pineapple. Lovely.

Mouth: very intense, with heavy spices up front, and then the same combination of classic sherry notes and tropical fruits. Comes close to old cognac as well. Blood oranges. Hints of marzipan. Raisins. Mango, nectarine again. Some cedar in the background. Moving towards dark chocolate. A salty edge as well.

Finish: very long, on dark chocolate, salt, dark fruits, precious wood and a whiff of smoke.

Lovely Springbank, with a rather 1960s profile of tropical fruits, sherry and subtle smoky oak. Very intense – a real treat. Thank you, dear Jens.

Score: 94/100