Springbank 2003 Sherry Cask

This single cask Springbank 2003 was a 13 years old UK exclusive. It was bottled from a fresh sherry butt, most likely Oloroso.

Springbank 13 yo ‘Single Cask’ (56,1%, OB 2017, fresh sherry butt, 540 btl.)

Nose: the Springbank spirit is still in the foreground. Beeswax, greasy metal tools, a subtle hint of peppery peat. Then more gentle sherry notes: raisins, toffee, candied ginger and a little salted caramel. Buttered toast.

Mouth: big and pungent, the ginger is back with nutmeg and citrus peel. Hints of dates, berries and red candy underneath. Herbal sweets and metallic notes. Hints of espresso and leather. Anise too. Quite a rollercoaster of flavours.

Finish: long, slightly smoky, with lingering caramel sweetness, bitter oranges and plenty of wood spices.

As often a bit funky and idiosyncratic, but very complex and lots of fun. Great Springbank, even though it is a tad alcoholic. Originally around € 80, sold out.

Score: 88/100