Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch 11

Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch 11, 53,8 %

The Campbeltown distillery Springbank recently released the Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch 11. I have tried several of the previous batches, but for reasons unknown I have not posted reviews - must be too many whiskies and too little time. Anyways, here's the review for batch 11.

This whisky has been matured in both Sherry casks (70 %) and bourbon casks (30 %). The release is limited to 9000 bottles, and it was bottled on 2015-08-05.

The Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch 11 will be released for sale in Sweden on October 21 at SEK 799 (2020101). This whisky is not currently available to buy in Norway, but you can pick up a bottle of an earlier batch at NOK 825 (1102001). You can order it online at around GBP 41.

Nose (22/25): There might be mainly sherry casks in the vatting here, but the bourbon influence is quite noticeable on the nose. Marshmallows, milk chocolate, apples (fresh and dried), mild peat smoke. After a while the sherry influence becomes a bit more noticeable. Spices also come more to the fore, as well as a touch of salt.

Taste (22/25): Darker, more sherried, and more peaty on the palate. Dried fruits, raisins, honey, rich caramel, and peat smoke. Quite oily and rich mouthfeel.

Finish (22/25): Still oily and rich. More spicy than initially - pepper and a touch of chili. Ginger and vanilla. medium long.

Balance (22/25): Delightful. A dram to enjoy in front of the fireplace.

Score (88/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas