Tasted at The Oak Barrel Springbank evening, May 28 2022. Nose: Soft planky oak, light grainy malt, mild flinty brine, peach, apricot, damp mossy forest, leather, aromatic pipe tobacco, oloroso sherry, walnuts and baking spices. Palate: Juicy and soft, demi-sec arrival with gentle, sweet spice notes. Chocolate covered raisins, minerals. Earthy and herbal flavours in the development. Dried apricots and a hint of peat smoke. After resting more sherry influence comes through with dry fruit ‘n nut chocolate notes and a faint hint of liquorice. The addition of water brings out peppercorns and a touch of triple-sec liqueur. The texture is very good and water makes it creamier. Finish: Medium/long. Toffee, raisins, apricots, roasted nuts and a waft of smoke. The nose presents a host of interesting aromas but the defining quality is its integration, with all the elements combining to form a soft and enticing whole that is very complete and satisfying. Unmistakably sherry-driven, but less so than previous batches. The alcohol is very well contained and there is no heat when neat. Taking it down to just under 50% abv with water was the goldilocks spot for me, at which point it opened fully, gained a creamier texture and fractionally elevated the spiciness. Allowing it to sit and develop in the glass after watering produced better and better integration over time, which was an unfolding delight. The palate is complex and the bourbon influence adds a spicy touch rather than soft vanilla tones. The sherry presence is just right and the combination of the two elements in the blend works well, although I think the previous batch 19 was even better. Always a great whisky and worth sampling. It has an integrated complexity that can entertain for hours. There is little better than an evening spent slowly appreciating a few drams of this spirit while relaxing to good music. Together with the 2021 Springbank 15 year old and the Kilkerran 16 year old (Batch Two), this was equal best whisky of the night. “Very Good” : 87/100 (4.25 stars)