Annual Limited Grain to Glass Release
Springbank and Local Barley, need not much introduction. Being entirely matured in ex-bourbon casks, this 2021 bottling was a complete flip from the previous all ex-sherry release from 2020. While not every aspect of the grain is identical, the pair of bottles allows you to experience a single barley variety, grown by the same farm, in contrasting maturation methods. It’s a fantastic opportunity to compare and contrast your preferences.
Distillery: Springbank.
Region: Campbeltown, Scotland, UK.
ABV: 51.6%.
Age: 10 Years.
Cask type: Oak Casks.
Price: $250.
Color: 0.6 Old Gold. Natural Color. No chill filtration.
Tasting Notes
Tasted neat in a Glencairn with 15+ minutes of rest. Dilution was added for the second half of the tasting with an additional rest of upwards of an hour. This review encompasses my initial impression to the final glass.
Nose: Beachgrass, sand dunes, and salty Atlantic air. A simple and crisp profile that encapsulates the essence of a seaside boardwalk. The cereals come through maltier than anticipated with a savory lean to them. Nori, sesame seeds, and miso. Even the baking spices remind me of savory dishes with allspice berries and nutmeg. Heavy mineral and metallic aromas like wet porcelain clay, limestone, and cast iron. It’s not just unusual terroir notes as there are also the familiar floral and vanilla characteristics from the ex-bourbon cask.
Palate: Simply straightforward palate note; Dank. A wild, lactic, and oily rich dram. Smoked kippers, oil-packed sardines, kalamata olives, and chive cream cheese. Pickled grape leaves with an acidic brine, remind me of chilled Dolmades. The musty and dank notes come through like old decaying bookshelves, abandoned hay lofts, and wet concrete sidewalks on a warm summer day. Lastly, a kick of citrus brightness brings some complexity to the dram, like a lime coin in a Ti’ Punch.
Finish: Smoky scotch-soaked sultanas! A lovely, peaty, and earthy finish, focused on those camphor notes. Sandalwood oil and salt-soaked driftwood. A beach cooking fire, with fresh caught rockfish and grilled lemon. There are hidden fruits behind the smoke and salt. Dry, nearly flavorless raspberries, and a flavor I can best describe as Smoked Pineapple brandy (check out Machbook’s Ritual Sister if this sounds interesting to you!)
Overall
Imagine a warm summer evening after a day at the beach. Slightly humid out, condensation on your glass, a bead of sweat on your upper lip. That is the essence of this bottle or at least the vision I had in my mind while sharing a dram with friends. If you enjoy savory, mineral-heavy whiskies, this is a perfect dram for you.
The fervor over Springbank will never subside, but you cannot deny that they make some excellent whiskies. This expression is another to imbibe, savor, and appreciate.
Final Score: 89
