Springbank 5 Year Old Fresh Sherry Cask Society Bottling

Description

Springbank 5 Year Old Fresh Sherry Cask Society Bottling Bottling Note

The Springbank 5 Year Old Fresh Sherry Cask Society Bottling is a special release created exclusively for members of the Springbank Society. This particular bottling, vintage 2019, was distilled in June 2019 and bottled in October 2024, making it a five-year-old single malt. This release is a modern reinterpretation of a past concept, harkening back to the distillery’s historical 100 proof expressions.

The spirit is made from lightly peated barley and distilled 2.5 times, a unique process that contributes to its characteristic flavor profile. After distillation, the new make spirit was filled into fresh sherry casks, which had a profound impact on its maturation. The decision to use fresh sherry casks, rather than refill casks, ensures a powerful and immediate influence on the young spirit. The whisky was then bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.1% ABV, or 100 proof, and was released without chill-filtration or artificial coloring. Only 1,900 bottles were produced for this specific release.

In terms of characteristics, this is a sherry-forward and youthful expression. On the nose, it presents a dense, rich aroma of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and warm spices, with notes of raisins, dates, and gingerbread. The signature Campbeltown character is more subdued but present. The palate continues the sherry influence with notes of cola, roasted coffee, and brown sugar. Despite its young age, it has a good mouthfeel, and some find it to drink more like a ten-year-old. There can be a slight bitterness on the finish, accompanied by lingering notes of dark chocolate and nutty undertones. The addition of water is noted to open it up, bringing out more sweetness and revealing subtle layers of orange peel and ginger spice.

Springbank 5 Year Old Fresh Sherry Cask Society Bottling Tasting Note

Nose: The aroma is powerfully and immediately dominated by fresh sherry, with notes of dark dried fruits like raisins, dates, and figs. These are intertwined with brown sugar and treacle. A thread of warm gingerbread and cinnamon emerges as it opens up, while Springbank’s characteristic maritime and earthy notes are subtle and deeply integrated, largely overshadowed by the cask.

Palate: The texture is viscous and oily. The taste is a bold, sherry-forward experience with flavors of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of cocoa nib bitterness. Sweetness from the nose transitions to rich cola and burnt sugar. The Campbeltown funk is more apparent here, presenting as a subtle briny, mineral quality that balances the deep sweetness. The cask strength is significant but effectively carries the flavors.

Finish: The finish is long and warming, with the sherry character lingering. Notes of dark chocolate and nutty undertones persist, along with a dry, woody spice. A late, peppery heat and a hint of ginger lead to a final, slightly bitter note of espresso. The coastal brine makes a final, fleeting appearance.

Overall: This is a young and intensely cask-driven expression that fully showcases the powerful influence of fresh sherry casks. It may not be a classic representation of Springbank’s complex character, but it’s a well-crafted and very flavorful whisky. The high proof and bold sherry profile make for a substantial dram that tastes more mature than its five years.