Springbank 1996 18 YO Cask #313-5

Springbank 1996 18 YO Cask #313-5, 56,1 %

We were recently in Limburg for the Whisky Fair (see report). While there we got to try a lot of great whiskies at the supreme whisky bar Villa Konthor. One of the great experiences was this Springbank 1996 18 YO Cask #313-5, bottled for Hanseatische Weinhandelsgesellschaft Bremen, and as such an exclusive for the German market.

This single cask was distilled in November 1996, and bottled in March 2015. It was matured in a fresh (1st fill) Oloroso sherry cask. With an outturn of 528 bottles this would have had to be a sherry butt.

Nose (23/25): Very fresh and soft. This is one of those rare whiskies that caress your nose - it's like the gentle touch from your significant other. Sherry notes - of course, with a mind touch of rubber and farmyard. Orange zest, soft caramel, a cold fireplace and salt of hartshorn (ammonium bicarbonate) [Yes, yes, I know! Going overboard with a reference here, perhaps. This is a familiar smell though, as we still use salt of hartshorn in a lot of baking here in the Scandinavian countries.]

Taste (22/25): Dried apricots, oranges, orange zest, dried mango and ashes. It is quite rich, chewy and fizzy. Sounds like a party on the tongue, right? Well, it was.

Finish (23/25): Relatively dry on the finish, which was very long - thankfully! Ginger, grilled pineapple (you know, when it gets sort of caramelized), white sugar, fresh licorice, cold ashes and salt.

Balance (23/25): Wow! What a great Springbank! This is certainly one of the better we have had in a while. We want more!

Score (91/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas