Auction house Whisky.Auction recently sent me a sample of this Private Single Cask bottling from Springbank distillery. It is a 1992 bourbon hogshead from a private owner who is gradually selling a series of bottles over the coming auctions. Interesting to see the auction house is spreading the word by making available some samples. I’ve tried a similar cask from Maltbarn before, so I’m hoping this will be similar.
Springbank 27 yo 1992 (48,4%, OB ‘Private Single Cask’ 2020, refill bourbon hogshead #273, 186 btl.)
Nose: Barbour jackets with lemon curd, waxed papers and ink. Very oily and mineral, with some herbal liqueur and tart apple underneath. Then wet rocks, clay, copper coins and hints of wet sheep. Oysters and mild medicinal notes. There’s a lot going on, all perfectly within the expected playing field.
Mouth: lemony smoke, with grapefruit, briny notes and some tingling passion fruit. Then some greener orchard fruit, waxes, olive oil and resinous notes. Hints of green tea, mint, limestone and lemon rind. To be honest I expected some extra punch, but again a classic profile.
Finish: medium length, with very light peaches, along with brine, a little heather and pebblestones.
One of the more classic early 90s Springbanks. Overall a really nice balance between austerity and sexiness. If you can score it at an interesting price, then you won’t be disappointed. Listed in the current auction, and you’ll also find it in future auctions.