The Masterpieces series is reserved for special drams which only appear once a year or so. They are chosen by The Whisky Exchange director Sukhinder Singh.
This year we’re trying this Springbank 1993 (which Whiskyfun indicated as 1992, it appears the samples have been mislabeled).
Springbank 23 yo 1992
(52,2%, Elixir Distillers ‘Masterpieces’, refill sherry cask, 339 btl.)
Springbank 23 yo 1992Nose: very oily and mineral, with hints of polished brass, sourish peat and old leather. Hints of oysters. Delicate touches of lime and tangerines. Some floral / heathery notes as well. Pretty austere and slightly heady, hardcore Springbank.
Mouth: a slightly funny dram. It stays on these sourish peaty notes, mixed with zesty lemons, grasses and lots of maritime notes (sea brine, wet limestone). Moderate fruity notes (green apples). Unfortunately it also develops metallic and soapy touches.
Finish: minerals, grasses, waxed lemons and this soapy edge.
I’ve had soapy notes before in Springbank 1993. Here it is almost integrated in the mineral / austere profile, but still it’s something I have difficulty with. Less impressive than previous releases in this series. Still available from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 86/100