Springbank 25 Year 2019 Edition

Nose: Gentle yet assured smoky peat on the initial smell, fading as the drink develops into a floral, leathery scent. Malt, rich toffee, exotic fruit, and damp, earthy soil. With time, the sherry influence becomes more apparent with dark fruit and aged notes, but the full-bodied maltiness of the spirit and the heavy molasses/treacle character remain dominant. Adding a tiny bit of water brings out dusky floral and spicy incense aromas – damask rose, sandalwood, and turmeric. Palate: A good start, soft for a moment before gaining strength, heat, and a tannic dryness. Chocolate and molasses initially, then more tropical fruit and some orange liqueur, spiced this time with barrel char. Adding water initially makes the whisky intensely sweet – honey, concentrated orange, mango puree, and the caramelized sugars of dark rum – but subsequent sips are spicy and lively with smoldering cinnamon and unsweetened chocolate. The texture is excellent and becomes smoother over time and with a little water. Finish: Long. Malty, earthy, and herbal, a hint of spicy sea salt that eventually melts into a sweet, malty fruit taste in the aftertaste. A very satisfying Springbank, with excellent development, but unlike some other 25 year olds I've tried before. I suspect this is due to the rum-cask influence in this batch. It's definitely not a challenging whisky – in fact, it's one of the most approachable I've encountered, and the sense of maturity is present. There's really nothing to complain about, except the cost. I'm currently comparing this whisky with a Longrow 11 Pinot Noir (which cost just over a quarter as much) and a Hazelburn 10 (which cost about an eighth). Both are fantastic whiskies in their own right, and it's hard to justify the expense of the 25 year old. However, if cost isn't an issue, go for it. This is delightful. “Excellent”: 88/100 (4.5 stars)

What constitutes a special occasion? A milestone birthday? A wedding? Surviving four weeks of COVID-19 certainly qualifies, making it the perfect time to open Springbank 25! Aged in sherry and rum barrels, the aroma presents tropical fruits, sugarcane syrup, and green botanicals like sage and thyme. The taste is defined by intricate wood spices, dark chocolate, and rich rum characteristics, complemented by pineapple, citrus peel, and hints of smoke. It concludes with a prolonged, herbaceous taste and a briny finish. A truly excellent pour, though not quite reaching my expectations. RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]