Springbank 10 Year

These bottles have been spying me from the shelves at the store for so long, but I’ve never bothered to snag one. That changed today when I realized I have so many Islays and nothing from Campbeltown. The nose is complex, rich and sweet, with banana and vanilla cream jumping out initially. After a few mins the barley dominates with honey and floral grassy notes as it’s backup. All of it is wrapped in a light ashy envelope, so much different from the meaty noses I’m used to. Palate starts like the nose, with a sharp introduction of sweetness led by Concord grapes and honey, then crashing into a cacophony of ash and smoke and malt. The sweetness never leaves tho, which allows the heavy umami flavors to be lifted higher then they could be on their own. Finish is about medium in length with some nice peppery spice and just a hint of salty brine which helps balance all the sweetness from the sip. Where has this whisky been all my life? Oh yes, staring at me on the shelf. This 10 year is affordable, super delicious, and a distillery that I’ll be paying attention to in the future.

Great stuff! Even for someone who doesn’t like spicy whisky. So balanced!

Excellent all round. Makes me want to splash out on the older vintages

스프링뱅크 10년 46% 🌑향 : 보통 스뱅에서는 들판을 느꼈었는데 이 잔은 아무래도 10년 숙성에 46%라 그런지 풀, 잔디가 느껴집니다. 달콤한듯 하면서도 결국 스모키가 지배해버리고 맙니다. 청사과의 떫떠름함도 조금 느껴집니다. 🌗맛 : 아무래도 확실히 입에 머금은 순간 "아직 어린 스뱅이 맞네" 스럽습니다. 단맛이 잘 느껴지고, 몰티함과 스모키함을 내뿜으려고 하지만, 묵직한 맛은 아쉽게도(?) 없습니다. 10년에 46%니까요... 🌕피니쉬 : 그래도 목넘김은 역시 살짝 치고가는 맛이 일품입니다. 이제 막 원주민 성인식을 하려는 10살의 어린 어른(?)을 보여주듯, 복합미는 떨어지지만 스뱅의 색깔은 잘 가지고 있습니다. 🌏한줄평 : # 쉐리/버번/피트에서 한발 벗어나고 싶을 때 추천 # 스뱅 입문용으로 괜찮을 듯