New Springbank releases are always followed argus-eyed. Master of Malt has recently bottled a 25 years old Springbank 1993 in their single cask series.
Springbank 25 yo 1993 (51%, Master of Malt 2018, bourbon hogshead)
Springbank 25 yo 1993 (51%, Master of Malt 2018, bourbon hogshead)Nose: a rather round profile with lots of cider apples and baked apples, paraffin and lemon peels. A little greengage jam and marzipan. Some beach pebbles and wet clothes. Plenty of mint. Hints of rhubarb tarts and candied ginger. Heathery notes in the background.
Mouth: loads of cider apples with olive brine, zinging citrus zest and smoky malt, a beautiful mix. A little pepper and dried herbs. A kind of musty, oily note and chalk. Rhubarb again, maritime hints and subtle peat. Growing oak spice too.
Finish: rather long, waxy and salty. Mentholated dental floss and a little oak char. Always plenty of cider apples.
A successful Springbank, even when it is slightly idiosyncratic whisky (but aren’t all Springers?). The 1993 vintage is known for having funny production but this is really good if somewhat intellectual. Available from Master of Malt.
Score: 89/100