Official Release | 46% ABV

What Was Your Best Dram of 2021?

It seems in this day and age, we’re all eager to give an opinion. Whether that’s online in a format such as this website, video, social media or more traditional forms of communication or even a bible.

Every opinion counts, as no one is able to categorically say they’ve tried all the whiskies released in a calendar year. Can you imagine the impact on your personal health or the number of spittoons that would be required for such a task?

A fairer question would be, “Which whisky did you enjoy the most?” This pivot still represents the same outcome, but places a more personal slant. If someone suggests online that Glenfreebie is the best whisky of the year, some of us may hesitate with skepticism. Especially, if they have a trend of saying similar things and everything is great, which cannot be true. On the other hand, sometimes it’s what someone isn’t saying that is of more significance, maintaining a delicate balance of saying very little, keeping things benign and inoffensive. Sponsored posts of Glenfreebie and other whiskies represent a good hunting ground for this behaviour on Instagram; at least now the financial backer is highlighted visibly rather than not at all in previous years, or a mundane #ad hashtag in the comments.

Word of mouth in this technological instantaneous age, is still the thing most marketeers would love to tap into. By its very nature, organic and a force of change. When the community gets excited about a release, then you immediately feel the lure of the positive feedback.

A perfect example of this is the annual release of the staple Springbank 10 year old. This release was bottled at 46% on 17/8/21 and code 21/120. It’ll set you back less than £50 and pretty much ticks all the boxes on paper for an official release. Each year, the epicentre of a whisky earthquake starts in Campbeltown as new releases are announced. For previous generations, the shock waves were mainly felt in Scotland before reaching south of the border, while those in Ireland woke up to the joys of Springbank on their doorstep. Nowadays, the waves have grown to epic proportions, washing up on European and North American shores. Each release is heavily desired by onlookers and swiftly chased down, meaning a small distillery such as Springbank is in a difficult position.

There’s still an element of risk involved as Springbank is not infallible. Sherried bottlings are variable at best and a recent release was aggressively finished. Hazelburn still divides opinion and Longrow with its Red series can be very hit or miss. These variations and sense of unknown make up part of Springbank’s appeal: From the modest presentation to the lack of packaging and general staunch production principles of old times. There’s much to appreciate, support and enjoy. Yet for all the Springbank love, it always comes down to the product.

Review

Springbank 10yo late 2021 Release, 46% ABV
£45 retail

Nose

It’s all here, confident and with a brilliant swagger, making it hard to unpick. Overripe apples, wet soil, worn wood, orange oil and fresh blackcurrants. Fudge, brown sugar, tangerines, plums, blueberries and tinned peaches. A dirty oil rag and an industrial note that we all appreciate.

Palate

Funky, orange pips and wet wood. Earthy, sooty, cranberries, walnuts and pink peppercorns. The peat is gentle, allowing those overripe tinned fruits to step up in that x-factor which is Springbank. Highland toffee and there’s a marvellous citrus layer that cuts through the earthiness and density, bringing a new dimension. A pleasing sweetness and a hint of umami. The edginess that youth can deliver at 10 years old is held in check.

The Dregs

Brilliantly blended, well-formed and assured. There’s some serious top-notch compiling of whisky coming out of Springbank these days – could they even possibly do good at Jura? No showboating, massive advertising or making proclamations. Just what’s in the glass and at the end of the day, that’s what counts. The team behind this vatting deserve huge plaudits. Being fond of adding a splash of water, I’ve refrained from it here as what’s bottled is bang on point and doesn’t need any coaxing.

Now, this is quite a statement to make and it’s one I made to friends when this bottle landed back in October. One I’d never thought possible. In my mind, this 10 is better than the cask strength 12 year old, which is also being currently enjoyed. Ultimately, this is my favourite 10 year old batch of recent times and could possibly be the best yet. One to savour. Immerse your soul in whisky love and be thankful that something good arrived in 2021. Let’s dream of what 2022 can bring us.

Score: 9/10

Wally’s Notes

Nose

Tropical! This is the fruitiest nose I remember on a Springbank. Think Glentauchers or Longmorn, even a touch of Bowmore with tinned pineapple chunks and sweet mandarin. There’s a whiff of ash or soot, but very light. This is a clean, outdoor fruits-and-flowers nose with a green note, almost like aromatic green tea. There’s a lick of salt and seashells, the Springbank signature funk is there, but quiet.

Palate

Very satisfying; this is what makes Scotch whisky unique. The fruit delivers on the palate, but it’s sweeter, the tropical edge is more confectionary, like pineapple cubes, the citrus is sweet clementine and even a little bitter offset from the peel. Very clean for a Springbank, which takes your attention away from the lightest puff of smoke and you have to hunt for the funk. A surprising seashell and mineral note adds to the distraction, a creaminess hints at white chocolate before fading to a light saccharin and green olive. It finishes with a medium length, lightly bittersweet and very moreish.

The Dregs

Beautiful whisky. Was the 10 always this good or have I just grown to love it more? It feels paler and lighter overall, but the detail here is the thing that grabs and distracts you. Ludicrously good at 10 years old and less than £50 (if you can find it).

Wally’s Score: 8/10

Tried this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. DM