Springbank 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2023 bottling

"Perhaps it’s that untamed, uncommercial edge that makes this so sought after. Go figure; we, of course, adore it, as ever." - whiskyfun.com

Collectors note: Springbank's labels almost always arrive with minor wearing and markings, most often to the top of the front labels. This is unavoidable. If you are likely to be disappointed by minor label scuffing, we recommend you don't buy these whiskies.

What a difference time makes. It wasn't that long ago when Springbank was hit by the whisky crash of the 1980s. Forced to close from 1979 to 1987, they re-opened and pledged never to sell to third party blenders again, but instead maintain a modest output, building their success on single malts alone. That decision has paid off. Leading the charge is their entry level ten. Debuting in 2000, distilled two and a half times and peated to around 12-15 ppm, in his book, “101 Whiskies to Try before You Die”, Ian Buxton describes it as “Arguably the most traditional Scotch Whisky...a must have whisky if ever there was one”. Bourbon casks are primarily used for maturation, allowing the distillery character to shine through. Sherry casks are also employed for added body. The ratio usually falls around 60% / 40%, but that can vary between releases. It's this whisky that must set the bar for everything else Springbank make - and it does so with aplomb. Coastal, fruity, malty, medium to full-bodied and with a dry, peaty edge, it's hard to think of another ten year old offering as much substance and complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

Other reviews... [2024 bottling] Colour: white wine. Nose: I get the impression that SB 10 is becoming increasingly earthy, dirty, laden with soot, basalt, oyster shells, slightly rancid olive oil, mustard, slags, and various yeasts—everything we love, though it’s perhaps not quite to your new neighbour’s taste, just to be clear. SB 10 will never replace a good, easy Champagne blanc de blancs (not entirely sure about that last remark, S.). Mouth: austere, intensely saline, peppery, even dirtier on the palate, with striking bitterness and that unmistakable oily texture. Grilled aubergines come close, before lemon peel and a generous glass of fino sherry ride to the rescue. And it’s not the first time one gets the impression they’ve poured a bit of Longrow into the vatting tank. Finish: long, with that wonderfully discordant sensation of an oily yet razor-sharp malt. The aftertaste is saline, peppery, mezcal-like, and lemony. Comments: perhaps it’s that untamed, uncommercial edge that makes this so sought after. Go figure; we, of course, adore it, as ever. 91 points - whiskyfun.com