Interesting fact… Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength whisky spells its name whisky as it originates in Scotland. Had it been produced in America its name would be Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength whiskey, instead of whisky.
Wonderful stuff. Add a bit of water (maybe two) and let it rest. It is strong, 120 proof, so a quick sip right out of the bottle can be pretty sharp. Give it time and it opens up to the most lovely fragrance of sweet and smoky. Just 8 hours over the peat gives it great balance. I think of caramel apples roasting on an open fire. Perfect for a cold winter's eve.
More peaty than I thought it would be. Great with a couple drops of water.
I know, I know...my words are strong...Strong, Young, Wild, Phenolic, Intrusive, Reminds of cheap low-end american booze...Skip This & try the 14YO Cask Strength (Oloroso Sherry)(Look for the Word Oloroso on the bottle)
The aromas are excellent: chocolate, wild flowers, drift wood and marshmallows. It's very soft, full, and sweet, but with intense vapors due to the high proof. This whisky starts off like black powder with a slow burn followed by a bang. The first second is smooth and pleasant, then without warning your tongue bursts into flames. All the flavors you'd expect from a mid range Campbeltown are present and distinct. Caramel, burnt marshmallows, salt, and dried fruit with a hint of peat. Then, as soon as it came, it's gone, leaving only a stale sulphur and mild tingle. But lets be honest, if you want a truly excellent scotch, $100 is the entry level. For $60 you get a fantastic nose and explosive start. If you follow each drink with a dried apricot or roasted pecan, you can bypass the mediocre finish and have an exceptional drink for a reasonable price.