The amount of independent Springbank releases these days seems a little contradictory to the pricing, which would suggest it is some of the rarest whisky around. I’m sure bottlers think twice before buying casks at the current asking prices, but on the other hand I understand most of the casks are simply too good to pass up.
The latest to arrive is this Springbank 1994 bottled by Royal Mile Whiskies. We reviewed some of their December releases before, but this deserved a separate post.
Spingbank 27 yo 1994 (43,1%, Royal Mile Whiskies 2024, refill hogshead #27, 214 btl.)
Nose: a rather classic mix of mineral notes, vegetail oils, iron and lamp oils, together with a bright fruitiness. Mostly lemon peelings, kiwi, maybe a hint of guava too. Then back to chalky notes, hints of Sancerre, clean fabrics, very light camphor and beach sand. Touches of peat, but very much in the background. Also slightly floral notes of bath salt or jasmine tea.
Mouth: rather subtle at first, with more of these chalky white wine associations. Hints of Riesling petrol too. Earl Grey tea, lemon rinds and plenty of waxy notes. Candles and limestone. Then back to green apples and greengages with kiwi and lime. Soft peppery notes and more chalk towards the end.
Finish: medium, with more lemons, green tea and subtle briney notes. Back to waxy notes and aniseed in the end.
The nose deserved an even higher score, but on the palate it lacks a little oomph to make it stand out. Very, very good Springbank though. I would immediately order a case if not for the current-day pricing. Available from Royal Mile Whiskies.