PBMichiganWolverine
Springbank 16 Year Local Barley
Single Malt — Campbeltown, Scotland
Reviewed
October 8, 2017 (edited October 21, 2024)
This was my second drink I had at a friend's last night---and oh my, was it memorable. I actually didn't know the background of this when I had it, except it was a 16 yr old Springbank. This morning, after a bit of googling, I found out that it's made from "prisma" barley, which apparently was discountined being used in the late 60s because it was so difficult to grow and distill. These bottles are now apparently all sold out, or available at outrageous prices in the secondary market. Nose: light peat, charcoals, sweet. Palette is where it kicks in: grilled lemon, cream, pears, and more charcoal. Lingering sweet finish. It's apparently not a profile available in the modern Springbank. If I had known the background of this before pouring myself a dram, I'd have skipped the Balvenie 12 that I had before this, and opted for more of this one.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@PBMichiganWolverine Did you ever happen to score a bottle of this? Sounds completely amazing
@SolanaRoots Yeah...out of the few I've had, this tops it. And I guess the market demand proved it...apparently this flew off the shelves, and now it's at silly secondary prices
This sounds amazing. Your top Springbank?
@Cascode, no, we didn’t get to Glengyle, unfortunately. We spent most of our time playing some incredible golf courses. I do agree that their future is secure over the next several years.
@Rick_M Did you also see Glengyle when you were in Campbeltown? The team all seemed to be over there when I visited while the big sister distillery is temporarily mothballed. I don’t think there is any danger at all of Springbank disappearing- they have just invested a lot in infrastructure, and the fan base is passionate. This stuff sells out in no time with zero marketing. My only fear is for what happens when some of the Victorian era equipment finally dies- will it effect the distillate?
Pranay, I hope you're right because I have always liked the Springbank offerings. They are currently running at 16% of production capacity, so they have seen better days, despite their following. Also, distillery tours of a very old and tired facility does little to promote business.
@ Rick: you wonder, as if you think they won't survive? I think it's the opposite. With a cult following, smaller supply, and not a publicly owned, they have a bigger profit margin.
Our recent tour of the Springbank distillery seemed more like a museum tour. Their spirits safe is over 100 years old. With current production of only 120k liters for all 3 labels combined, one has to wonder about their future.
I almost bought a bottle about a year ago, but I didn’t research it enough in time and missed my chance to snag one. See if that friend will part with a few drams and I will make it worth your while, lol. Great review, btw.
Great review!
@Cask_Strength_Joe is absolutely right... I'm terribly jealous :(
$3000!!??? That's just plain nuts.
Had it at a bar one time for less than $20. Now I see a bottle on sale for $3000. Springbank collectors are mad.
Savor it---this was simply amazing. It's sad to see these types of barley and distillation method isn't done anymore. Personally, I'd have paid well over $300 for this one.
My brother is going to be very jealous after reading this. I nabbed myself a bottle six months ago. Great review!
My brother is going to be very jealous after reading this. I nabbed myself a bottle six months ago. Great review!