And so the Springbank Native Barley collection carries on past the initially deliberate 5 annual releases. The 2022 launch (really bottled 14 December 2021) is a 10 yr previous expression, comprised of Belgravia barley from Glencraigs farm. This yr it was matured in basic ex-bourbon casks.
I hear getting maintain of Springbank releases could quickly grow to be an olympic self-discipline. Something from this distillery sells like hotcakes and Native Barley expressions are undoubtedly among the many most hyped and balloted whiskies. Regardless of the distillery’s effort to supply an even bigger outturn of 15k bottles this yr. I ponder whether the upcoming Springbank Sherry collection can outclass it later this yr.
Springbank ‘Native Barley’ 10 yo 2011 (51,6%, OB 2021, 15000 btl.)
Nostril: a pleasant mixture of hob nobs, candy and bitter backyard fruit, lemon zest, soot, leafy notes and damaged branches. Then additionally wildflowers, sheep wool and moist gravel. A whiff of vanilla ice cream and custard. Gentle touches of latest plastics. Graphite. A bit easy and spirity, to be trustworthy. It’s essentially the most basic Springbank nostril, there’s much less of the standard greasy smoke and minerality.
Mouth: that’s extra prefer it. Extra coastal with out turning into brutal, with a barely muddy and farmy aspect, chalky notes, linseed oil and delicate mineral peat, in addition to candy grapefruit, lime and plum cake. Some resinous and medicinal notes. Seawater. Ink. Refined vanilla sweetness within the background.
End: fairly lengthy, chalky and mineral, with loads of salty notes.
10 yr previous Springbank, undoubtedly, despite the fact that I discovered the nostril somewhat disappointing. The discharge value was £ 90. For the reason that whisky is respectable however not likely distinctive, I feel it’s nicely definitely worth the authentic value, however not the secondary market excesses. Sadly even retailers are working towards secondary market techniques nowadays…
