Springbank 21 Year 2019 Edition

First of all, if you have the chance, read the history of this distillery and the whisky production process: it's fascinating! Moving on to the tasting notes, a very complex whisky, which varies considerably in each production year as the types of barrels used are always different. For the 2019 release, ex-sherry and ex-porto barrels were used. I must state that the entire tasting spectrum of smells and flavors has a very pleasant salty and lightly peated background, as well as sherry, the influence of which can be felt from the barrels. On the nose I detect Catalan cream, melon, wild strawberries, but also... chinotto! On the palate, always Catalan cream, custard, toffee, and fresh olives (have you ever picked an olive from the tree and tasted it? Well, that's the taste!). The finish is medium length, spicy, and floods the throat with alcoholic pleasure. Very dense and full-bodied. Nothing to say, an excellent whisky. _____________________________________________________________________ First of all, if you have the chance, read the history of this distillery and the whisky production process: it's fascinating! Moving on to the tasting notes, a very complex whisky, which varies considerably in each production year as the types of barrels used are always different. For the 2019 release, ex-sherry and ex-porto barrels were used. I must state that the entire tasting spectrum of smells and flavors has a very pleasant salty and lightly peated background, as well as sherry, the influence of which can be felt from the barrels. On the nose I detect Catalan cream, melon, wild strawberries, but also... chinotto! On the palate, always Catalan cream, custard, toffee, and fresh olives (have you ever picked an olive from the tree and tasted it? Well, that's the taste!). The finish is medium length, spicy, and floods the throat with alcoholic pleasure. Very dense and full-bodied. Nothing to say, an excellent whisky.

I appreciate the decision to date the bottles for evaluation since the 2021 batch varies significantly from one to the next. This is an exceptional bottling! Nose: A blend of sweet and savory notes, predominantly influenced by the port. I detect a grape bubblegum aroma alongside a red wine character. Underneath, there's mild oak, hints of vanilla, some jam, and a typical Springbank slightly saline maltiness. Palate: My initial impression is the remarkable length and complexity. It evolves through at least 3-4 stages, shifting from sweet to bitter to savory. It begins with a waxy sweetness, subtle flavors, yet still sweet. Then, oak tannins emerge, introducing a slightly bitter note that coexists with the sweet, muted malt profile. The experience becomes dynamic, transitioning to saline Springbank characteristics, with flavors expanding in all directions, culminating in a wonderfully long and intricate finish. The fruity grape bubblegum notes persist, though I now perceive them more as Juicy Fruit with a touch of wine. The malt displays significant oak influence, but it's balanced, contributing to a very pleasant overall harmony. The 2019 Springbank has been inconsistent for me. My initial tastings were superb, but I'm uncertain if it's my perception, but this particular pour isn't astounding me. It possesses incredible complexity, and the 46% ABV provides just enough body for a satisfying mouthfeel, allowing for thorough appreciation without alcohol burn. In summary, this is truly excellent. An essential purchase for those with the budget and advanced whisky palate, appreciating everything from peat to wine finishes to oak and beyond to fully enjoy this dram. 4.25 stars

An intriguing combination that harmonizes wonderfully, featuring notes of chocolate, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, vanilla, toffee, spices, smoke, mangoes, passion fruit, and guava.

Dark fruits and mild funk on the nose. Spices and warmth on the palate. A gentle finish, releasing some mildly funky spices. Can't complain about this one.