Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood

Purchased on 8/1/18, finished on 2/18/19. Springbank Official Bottling. 14 years old, Bourbon Cask maturation. 55.8% ABV. Distilled 11/2002. Bottled 8/25/2017. Limited Release: 9000 bottles. Price: 123 USD. Springbank without any sherry influence is akin to Caol Ila without any peat. It's an unusual profile. Springbank pairs wonderfully with sherry casks because the spirit itself possesses sulfurous and mineral qualities (desirable if you're a Springbank fan), effectively masking the cask's sulfur (undesirable, but unavoidable in current times). This dram presents a peculiar character evolution, starting with a welcoming, sweet, buttery, vanilla aroma and initial taste, then progressing to an austere, oaky, mineral, and dry conclusion. The distinct, farm-like character of the Springbank distillery is prominent throughout, but the familiar sherry impact is absent. I don't detect the tropical fruits I cherish in most other Springbanks. This is a more fundamental Springbank. Clearly, some quality bourbon casks were utilized; the aroma and taste are excellent, but the finish simply lacks the deliciousness I've come to expect from this distillery. I don't regret the purchase, but I likely won't acquire another bottle; the 12-year-old cask strength is more affordable and aligns better with my preferences. Rating (price excluded): 90/100. Purchase satisfaction (price considered): 3/5.

I've been searching for this bottle since last year, and it's great to see Springbank with a new release! The initial aroma was green apples, with prominent bourbon oak wood. It's not excessively woody, though. The characteristic Springbank leathery richness, reminiscent of a dunnage warehouse, is also present. Toffee and caramel emerge on the palate, with cinnamon towards the finish. The flavor isn't harsh at all, considering its 55.8% ABV. It has a smoothness akin to an Octomore, but without the peat. Vanilla is upfront, with a significant coating sensation. Adding water further reveals the fruit, with white grapes, peaches, and pears becoming more prominent, alongside honeysuckle and hay, which temper the sweetness. It's very well executed, earning a 4.5. The theme for this dram should be something from my hometown, Louisville. I'm thinking "Flight Response" by Days of the New.

Nose: Sharp pineapple, citrus zest, mineral oil, a gentle hint of smoke, lemon cake. Palate: Shortbread, marmalade, candied ginger, a mild peat funk, saltwater taffy. Finish: A long, lingering taste of minerality and lemon tang, berry tart, and wood influence. Subtle dessert notes are present, but it's drier than the initial taste. The 14 years have preserved the coastal character, but those bright, sharp, and salty elements have been beautifully combined with the rich dessert flavors from the bourbon barrel.

This was tasted without knowing what it was... Lovely legs in the glencairn glass. Aroma - salty, brine. Light peat, with mild vanilla and orchard fruit Palate - the peat is more prominent than in the aroma... same brine, with a mild sweetness. A lingering warm finish that transports me... I feel like I'm wearing a shawl collar cardigan, sitting by a fire on a blustery night. This is a fantastic Springbank!

For any Springbank admirer curious about a less-influenced, higher-proof taste, this is it. As others have mentioned, it's quite different without the sherry's impact, but all the wonderful Springbank characteristics are present. It might be a bit difficult to locate now, but it's a must-try for Springbank enthusiasts.

I tried this at a bar in Melbourne (Whisky and Alement). I enjoyed it so much that I bought 2 bottles for the taxi ride to dinner... Drinking it now at home, it's still great, but I'm having trouble without a bit of water. Perhaps I'm getting old...