Springbank 1999 14 YO Society Bottling Local Barley

Springbank 1999 14 YO Society Bottling Local Barley, 57,8 %

A special release is in the nosing glass today. This is a special release for the Springbank Society's 10th Anniversary. The whisky has been matured in a refill sherry butt. It was distilled in September 1999, and bottled in April 2014. The total outturn was 546 bottles. The Springbank 1999 14 YO Society Bottling Local Barley was quickly sold out, as all these society bottlings are, but you might still be able to pick up a bottle at one of the online whisky auctions.

Nose (22/25): Dark fruits and caramel. There are some herbal notes here, and we are on the Springbank farm for sure. It is a bit nippy, which is good. Give it time and there's both wild berries, milk chocolate, barley notes, white sugar and pine needles here.

Taste (23/25): Very smooth. Lovely sherry sweetness. This whisky is full-on! A massive attack on the taste buds - it is widescreen, full HD. The canvas is big, with a base of sherried, dark and dried fruits. Raisins, simple syrup, honey, baked apples, herbs and dried hay make up the colors painting the rural landscape unfolding before us.

Finish (22/25): Warm and long, more caramel and heavier on the sweetness now. Does not develop any further from the initial onslaught, but this is more than enough. Just lean back and take it all in.

Balance (23/25): No wonder I want to join the Springbank Society. Gems like this make me crave more!

Score (90/100)

Image from Whisky-Online auctions.

Sláinte! - Thomas