Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength

I had tried this last Friday night with a friend of mine while enjoying a cigar. I've tasted many different Scotches including many Macallan's (12, 12 Double Cask, Rare Cask Black, 15, 18, 21, & 25) and same with Balvenie, and this scotch blew them all out of the water.

Batch 15 @ 56.5% / Aug 2017 release. Price around £60 retail UK. I got there before you and now it's sold out.

Highly complex dram - multiple aromas & tastes going on unlike any other whisky - evolving in the glass over time, no wonder 'those in t'interweb' get all excited and squeeky, dishing out points/stars/premature ejaculations. Here is Ralfy with an erudite review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXEwd1Qoxbw

So here's my less expert comment: Springbank 12 is like an ultra high end blend - multifaceted - there's so much going on compared to other single malts which seem rather one dimensional. And yet there is also a dirty untamed rawness, accentuated by the high cask strength of a youthful 12 y/o. I dont think there is any other whisky like it - even the 15 y/o is lesser & more restrained.

My only problem is that this is a five star, thinking man's whisky, a glass will reward half an hour or more's consideration and reflection - and you will never repeat that moment 'cos the stuff has already sold out. It IS rather youthful & peppery at 12 y/o. Personally I prefer a smoother 19 y/o Glentauchers, or maybe a gently smokey 7 y/o Ardbeg for a less thoughtful nightcap - but that's down to personal taste.

Bottom line: if you see it, buy it.

Easily one of the best whiskies out there. The 12 and 15 are just amazing. If you see it and you like scotch, you should buy it. Better than whisky twice as expensive.

The Nine is a bit sulfuric for my taste, but the 11 is quite nice. The nose is superior on the 9. And, yes, the 9 was more complex, if you can stand a bit of sulfur that does not go away as the bottle level goes down. A dash of water and time in the glass works wonders with this whisky, regardless of the batch.

A fan of standard Springbank 12 yo, this is a class above! Smokey, complex nose with citrusy, fruity dark chocolate notes. On the palate, quite smooth and sweet to start, then bursts into life with hot peppery spices, burnt fruit cake, roasted nuts. Burning finish due to higher alcohol content, but lingering dark burnt mollasses at the end.

Strong, flavors, complex development, long finish, slightly smoky, fantastic quality, excellent value, very dependable consistently high quality.

This is a stellar dram. The Springbank spirit has got what it takes for long term aging; I can only imagine how this will be after another decade in barrel. If only it were more affordable for us here in the USA!

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.

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)

More peaty than I thought it would be. Great with a couple drops of water.