Springbank Burgundy 12 Years Old 53.5% 2003

Professional reviews

BOW (90)

Solid whisky. Dense, rich, thick. The aroma leans a touch rustic, but the palate and finish deliver a surprisingly juicy and bright vibrancy, with a barrel influence that's unmistakably lively and active.

Nose
An evocative opening: dry, treated wood mingles with old paint and herbal tones. Hints of dusty books and pipe tobacco intermingle with furniture varnish, prunes, raisins, and an earthy herbarium quality. Dead leaves linger in the background, adding depth.

Taste
A powerhouse of flavors. Tart oak and bark command attention, balanced by sweet creamy notes and burnt caramel. Layers of baklava and imperial stout emerge alongside prunes, raisins, and burnt crackers. There’s a distinct touch of leavened wort and berry jam, with an intriguing interplay of mineral and industrial textiles.

Finish
Spicy yet refreshing, the finish showcases vibrant oak and bread notes with a kvass-like character. Raisins, burnt caramel, and baklava reappear, accompanied by fried nuts and a touch of burnt jam. Sweet berry tones meld with pipe tobacco, leather goods, and metallic-mineral nuances. The finale bursts with exploding caramel and cola—a lingering, dynamic conclusion.

Official tasting note (90)

From the distillery:
Nose: Bold and rich with mineral and dunnage warehouse notes combining with maple syrup, pancetta, cranberry and red currants.

Palate: A soft velvet like texture with buttered brown toast and chocolate shortbread complimenting light herb & oak notes.

Finish: A medium dry finish gives up liquorice and mint accompanied woody tannins