Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley 55.1% 2011

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (91)

Bottled in December last year. I find it very smart that they would keep using the old livery (while it's not the oldest for the LBs). This one was distilled from Belgravia barley from Glencraigs Farm, right on the road to Campbeltown. Colour: white wine. Nose: something else, really, this is almost a blend of mezcal, aquavit and genever, even if seawater and pure lemon juice would then chime in. In the end, it is pure oyster juice, with some tabasco and Worcester sauce, plus a good glass of zero-dosage champagne. With water: one again, more mud, rainwater and porridge, with a touch of curry this time, poppadums, Mouth (neat): but where does this mezcal stem from? More bone-dry champagne too, more aquavit, more oyster water, more lemon and lime juices. It's also fat and oily, and certainly not as 'dirty' as your usual Springbanks (which, granted, I love too). With water: some curry again, aniseed, capsicum, bell pepper… I would suppose that's the oak, not the Belgravia barley. It's different, vive la difference, I like it. Finish: long, with salty lemons ruing it all and much more smoke in the aftertaste. Comments: I just tried 2017's 11 yo Local Barley again, I find this newer expression of an eleven largely superior, but I wouldn't say it's better, stricto sensu, than the astounding 2007 from Cadenhead's.

Malt Fascination (90)

With it being Liberation Day in the Netherlands, I decided to liberate the last of my sample of this from its bottle. I was lucky enough to do a bottle-share with this, after winning a ballot for it at AceDrinks. Of course, unlike many slightly more expensive shares, this one filled up really fast.

This is the first Local Barley release that also contains a bit of rum matured whisky in it. Before it was mostly Bourbon, with an occasional Sherry side step. The barley for this version came from Glencraigs farm and was made from the Belgravia strain. None of these things are new, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a thing.

I tried to keep my fanaticism in check when tasting this. Just to get to a more accurate rating instead of being simply too enthusiastic about the new Local Barley release existing, and being available.

Sniff:
Funky spirit with quite a bite. There’s a sweetness that’s new to the series. A syrupy sweetness with sugary fruit. A mountain of straw and barley.

Sip:
Barley, straw, coastal salinity. Hessian, old paper and wet attics. Sugary fruit, boiled candy. A whiff of oily smoke too.

Swallow:
A funky finish, lots of salinity, lots of barley. Not overly long, but intense. A bit of oily smoke too.

At first I was pretty thrilled with this one. The very straight forward approach of very clean Springbank with a huge focus on the barley. Then, I started doubting whether it was actually that good and if I wasn’t being blinded by my enthusiasm.

Luckily, there was something left in the bottle and I sat down to drink that too, the day after the initial tasting. I gave it a lot of wiggle room, with me drinking a glass in the sun, when lighting the barbecue. Then, at night, when doing something else. And the conclusion is that I wasn’t too enthusiastic. This is absolutely gorgeous whisky.

BOW (91)

Exploring the Richness of Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley 55.1%

Introduction:
Springbank Distillery, renowned for its traditional and artisanal approach to whisky production, has unveiled an exceptional release: the Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley 55.1%. This limited-edition single malt whisky showcases the distillery's commitment to quality and their ability to harness the distinct characteristics of locally sourced barley. Distilled in May 2011 and bottled on December 12, 2022, this expression offers a fascinating blend of sherry, bourbon, and rum cask influences, resulting in a truly unique and enticing dram.

Crafted with Belgravia Barley from Glencraigs Farm:
At the heart of the Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley is the carefully selected Belgravia Barley, grown at Glencraigs Farm. This farm, located near the distillery in Campbeltown, Scotland, has been providing Springbank with their barley for decades, ensuring a genuine local connection. The use of locally sourced barley adds a layer of authenticity and terroir to the whisky, reflecting the unique characteristics of the region.

A Multifaceted Maturation Process:
The maturation process of this expression takes advantage of a combination of sherry, bourbon, and rum casks. The whisky is matured in oak barrels that previously held sherry, bourbon, and rum, allowing for a diverse range of flavors to develop and intertwine.

Sherry Cask Influence (55%): The sherry casks used for maturing the Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley contribute luscious and fruity notes to the whisky. Expect to encounter flavors of dried fruits, raisins, figs, and a delightful sweetness that adds depth and complexity.

Bourbon Cask Influence (35%): The bourbon casks lend the whisky a rich and creamy texture along with vanilla and toffee notes. These casks impart a smoothness and gentle spice that balances the overall flavor profile.

Rum Cask Influence (10%): The inclusion of rum casks in the maturation process brings a touch of tropical sweetness and subtle spice. This addition introduces hints of ripe tropical fruits, caramel, and a soft, warming character.

Tasting Notes:
On the nose, the Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley entices with a harmonious blend of dried fruits, vanilla, toffee, and a touch of oak. The palate offers a balanced symphony of flavors, combining sweet sherry influences with creamy vanilla and caramel, followed by a gentle spiciness reminiscent of exotic spices and tropical fruits. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a hint of oak.

Conclusion:
Springbank's commitment to crafting exceptional single malt whiskies is evident in the Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley 55.1%. By utilizing locally sourced barley and a meticulous combination of sherry, bourbon, and rum casks, this expression offers whisky enthusiasts a journey of flavors that is truly captivating. The careful balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and spice makes this limited release a delightful addition to any whisky collection. Whether you are a seasoned whisky connoisseur or an adventurous enthusiast, the Springbank 11 Years Old Local Barley 55.1% is sure to provide a memorable and rewarding drinking experience.

Whisky Notes (88)

Nose: a rather gentle entry, on lemon sweets and lemon juice, followed by garden fruits (ripe pears and peaches). Then plenty of mineral notes. Wet gravel, limestone. A tweed jacket. Light metallic notes, after a while also harbour aromas like ropes and salty air. Becomes quite grassy after some time.

Mouth: a thick mouthfeel. Still some citrusy notes and a hint of creamy, sweet fruits, getting drier and more mineral quickly. Quite punchy with a hint of agave spirits. Then a lot of salt, a firm resinous hint and grasses. Engine oil. Green tobacco and walnuts. Less smoke than expected this year., perhaps less complexity as well.

Finish: quite long, chalky and mineral, with barley, salty notes and a little more maritime ashes now. A subtle citrus bitterness too.

Still really good, but this year and last year were clearly behind the early days. While offering the right elements, it remains a little straightforward. It is especially convincing on the palate, I’d say, and some people will definitely appreciate the raw edges. Don’t expect much sherry cask influence though (probably refill casks?). For me it deserves the same score as last year.