Distillery | Springbank |
Bottler | Signatory Vintage |
Serie | Vintage Collection Dumpy |
Bottled for | |
Distilled date | 16.07.1969 |
Bottling date | 08.1995 |
Country | Scotland |
Region | Campbeltown |
Age | 26 |
Cask Type | Sherry Cask |
Cask Number | Bottle code 95/1922 |
Alcohol % | 51.7% |
Volume | 0,70 |
Condition | Very top shoulder |
Label | Perfect |
Stock | 0 |
some versions didn’t bear cask numbers at the time. Colour: gold. Nose: foo, what a nose! Starts on avalanches of dried fruits, jams and honeys and gets then beautifully drier, much more on leather polish and tobacco, with some smoke in the background and a little metal polish/old tool. Also something curiously medicinal that hints at Longrow – but Longrow didn’t exist at the time, did it. With water: totally wonderful, with this old-style medicinal profile growing bigger. Old embrocations and secret potions, mint, camphor, antiseptic… and cranberries! Mouth (neat): a very creamy-jammy attack, absolutely wonderful and very ‘old Springbank’, with these curious medicinal notes that are not to be found anywhere else. Something like cough syrup mixed with lemon juice… Goes on with bags of bitter oranges, caraway seeds, cardamom, bitter almonds, a little olive oil… Truly wonderful. With water: in the same vein but with more liqueurs and fine spices, it becomes almost oriental. Finish: long, with this stunning spiciness. For the thousand and one nights? Comments: a big, glorious old Springbank from some perfect sherry wood, I think you cannot beat this.
Nose:
Full-bodied and opulent, this dram exudes layers of dried fruits interwoven with rich, dark black jam. Floral notes rise like a spring bloom, dusted with warm cinnamon and encased in juicy, youthful oak. A whisper of mint teases the senses, and just when you think you have it pinned, a subtle touch of peat flickers in the background—or is it merely a trick of the mind?
With two drops of water: The orange fruits bloom gracefully, smoothing out the dried fruit complexity and melding into a sublime, symphonic balance with the black jam and blossom notes. The profile edges towards sweetness—never cloying—and the cinnamon steps back into the shadows. Quite simply, majestic.
Palate:
Velvety, almost decadent in texture, the palate is laden with dried fruits that give way to bright splashes of orange, dusted with cinnamon and an underlying bitter edge. As it lingers, the orange becomes more pronounced, pulling the balance into focus. Once again, there’s a flicker—a mere illusion—of peat?
With two drops of water: Creaminess takes center stage, complemented by a fresh, invigorating lift. The symphony of dried and orange fruits finds perfect harmony, softened by a touch of sweetness. The bitter note dissipates, leaving a seamless, polished finish.
Finish:
A long, captivating farewell led by orange zest and cinnamon, subtly punctuated by a brief bitter touch and delicate spices. It surprises with a moist, not dry, conclusion.
With two drops of water: The length remains impressive, enriched by a silkier texture. The balance between orange and dried fruits gains a touch of sweetness, lingering endlessly. Spices gently retreat, allowing juicy oak to emerge. After a minute or so, a slight dryness finally asserts itself, leaving the tongue tantalized.
A masterpiece of complexity and poise, this dram demands patience and devotion. Initial impressions hinted at an over-matured cask, but after 45 minutes and a modest touch of water, it revealed unparalleled depth. These sherry casks were indeed remarkable—subtle and sophisticated, not overpowering.