Springbank 12 Cask Strength Review

Distilled & bottled by Springbank

Region: Campbeltown

Type: Single malt

ABV: 56.2%

Age: 12yrs

Color: light copper

Springbank’s 12 year old, cask strength release typically comes out twice a year in batches. Initially launched in 2010, this 2018 release is their 17th batch they have produced of the line.

This composition of this particular batch is a blend of 1st & 2nd fill sherry (70%) and ex-bourbon casks (30%) and is bottled at 56.2% abv without chill filtration or added coloring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Initially heavy with sweet barley/cereal notes, there is also vanilla bean, cooked apples with cinnamon drizzle and some sticky honey. But there’s also a hint of magic marker & a damp woods/earthy note to remind you this was made in Campbeltown.

Palate: Rich, creamy and full on the palate with loads of dried fruit like raisins and figs. Wait a minute and you’ll notice the citrus notes of fresh peeled orange. As the session continues, the fig combines with the sweet barley and reminds me of Fig Newtons.

Finish: A very nice, long finish. The barley is still sweet but now gains a toasted element. There’s some salted/toasted nuts with baking spice as well as a sherry influence I find is strongest on the finish.

Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: A lovely, rich and very sweet/dessert forward dram. This is really tasty whisky with a great combination of sherry notes that still allow the bourbon barrels some room to show off their influence.

This is a great whisky for cool, fall days or any day really.