Bottle purchased on 8/1/18, and killed on 2/28/19 Springbank OB 14 years old Bourbon Wood 55.8% ABV Distilled 11/2002 Bottled 8/25/2017 Limited Release of 9000 bottles Price: 123 USD Springbank without any sherry influence is like Caol Ila without any peat. It’s a weird one. Springbank goes wonderfully with sherry casks because the spirit itself is sulphurous and mineral (desired, if you’re a Springbank fan), so it hides sulphur from the cask (undesired, but inevitable in modern times). This dram has a deviant character arc that goes from a friendly, sweet, buttery, vanilla nose and arrival on the palate, which progresses to an austere, oaky, mineral, and dry finish. The funky, farmy Springbank distillery character is strong throughout, but it’s missing the familiar sherry influence. I don’t get the tropical fruits that I love with most other Springbanks. This is a more elemental Springbank. Some quality bourbon casks were obviously used; the nose and palate are great, but the finish is just missing deliciousness, which I’ve come to expect from this distillery. I don’t regret the purchase, but I probably won’t buy another bottle; the 12 year old CS is cheaper and more to my tastes. Rating (price not a factor): 90 / 100 Purchase satisfaction (price factored): 3 / 5