Springbank 10 Year Old

It seems a tad pointless reviewing Springbank. The brand, in all its plain old school labelling and values, is widely popular with whisky aficionados across the globe. To highlight this the 25 was released the other week, sold out instantly and is now commanding sky-high secondary prices from the 'flippers'.
The reason for this is production is so low, when compared to the majors, and the process involved in making a Springbank is done entirely in house. Its a credit to the distillery and its owner that such an old-fashioned approach is still adopted and that they keep prices reasonable despite the current sky-high demand.
This ten year old is limited to 1 or 2 releases a year in the UK and is reasonably obtainable if you get a heads up it's about to be released, but you'll only have a few days to make your decision before its gone again. One thing for sure, you need to be fairly progressed on your 'Malt Journey' before you tackle a whisky with this complexity.
My bottle is from the 2021 vintage, purchased around May time.
The nose had a huge bourbon & spirit vibe. All vanilla and oak.
On the palette you definitely get that infamous Cambelltown funk. Sort of like walking into your Grandpa's shed, grassy tools, lawnmower oil and damp vegetal manner. It's not unpleasant but neither can it be avoided, you certainly won't find this in the Speyside sippers.
The sherry cask influence comes through slightly on the finish with a whisper of peat smoke. I didn't get the tropical fruits noted by others.

Why the average rating then? Well for starters I opened this last May and have only just finished it (end of March 22). Its alluring and pleasant but after I had one dram very rarely did I want another. Other bottles were opened and finished whilst this lingered a bit long in the cabinet.

I'm glad I sampled an undeniably quality experience but I'm happy to move on now and leave the rest scrambling for future releases.

28th March 2022

Smells like autumn.

On the nose: earthy wet fall leaves, moss, damp forest, honeycrisp apple, nutmeg, foraged herbs, dry heirloom gourd rind, pear, green apple, brown sugar, dried apricot, earthy mushrooms, morels, oats, hay, vanilla, hint of clove, walnut, distant smoke, clay, foggy morning at a farm in a colder beach town

Honey, toast, strong pear, drier sherry, funk, craft heirloom variety cider, honeycrisp apple

Not for everyone, but really enjoying this 10yr

10th September 2021

Fabulous!
Smooth, complex and diverse notes.
Enjoyed first tasting in Ayrshire Scotland.
Also enjoyed other brands but this was the best.

11th August 2021

Complex, murky, soft peat (but not like eating a bbq from Islay) and frequently sold out. Tells you all you need to know. If you see it, but two.

3rd August 2021

Easily one of the very best value for money whiskies out there. An exceptional dram.

1st June 2021

This whisky is delicious. Springbank has a great reputation and for good reason! For me it’s all tropical flavours, delicious stuff and would highly recommend

19th May 2021

Lovely, complex and absolutely delightful.

3rd April 2021

Glad I got 1 before it sold out . Been after a springbank for ages and it didn't disappoint . Very well made whisky and very very enjoyable

30th March 2021

Dear Friends - if you can find a bottle of this fine 10 years old well get TWO ! One for your collection and one for your own ! At this price you cant go wrong . Smoky , Oaky very pleasant on the nose you will enjoy a its full creamy honey taste with a great smoky finish.

20th February 2021

Very unique, complex, and old-world quality malt. Don't be fooled by the bottom-shelf looking label, this is an outstandingly sophisticated tasting Scotch. Changes over time, offering something new with every glass. I've gotten flavors of honey, hay, cola, barn-yard grassiness, funky dry-aged steak / cheese, industrial oil, burning wet leaves, moss, coastal air, and more. A really special whisky.

23rd November 2020