Springbank, 18 year old, 46%, $190
Nice to see stocks distilled after the 1980s silent period turning 18 years old. The sherry influence here is complimentary, but not overpowering. Notes of toffee almond, vanilla fudge, chocolate-coated citrus, bramble and candied ginger. Polished leather, dried spice and a hint of brine on the fishing dries it out nicely and keeps it interesting. Not quite as dynamic and complex as some of those legendary pre-1980s Springers, but it’s smooth, well-rounded and more-ish.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 88
On deck: Ardmore 30 year old and Glenmorangie Sonnalta.
[...] Hansel downs a dram of Springbank 18 year and gives it a B+ Share and [...]
$190!? Are you kidding? One can (I did) order two bottles from the UK at that price WITH shipping. The markup on Springbanks in the US is outrageous.
I think you are dead on right on this one John – It is nice but not great. While I am not a huge fan of Springbank I need a few in my collection and this one fit the bill – Pricey but it is a nice addition with so few to choose from.
I can’t see spending that much when Highland Park 18 is about half the price. What are they thinking, it’s not even cask strength.
190 is high. Still, it could be worse. What if they ran their business like Bruichladdich or were owned by Moet Hennessy?
Anyways, I can’t wait to get a taste.
Red – Glenmorangie is owned by Moet Hennessy. The Glenmorangie 18 will cost you around $100 plus shipping if you buy it from a shop in the UK. It can be purchased in the US for $140 or less. I would argue that the US pricing for the Springbank 18 is not nearly as favorable.
I did procure a bottle a while ago, and have really enjoyed it. It is disappointing that it will be much more expensive here in the US to try such a nice whisky.
Good point, David… guess I’m still raw over the Ardbeg 10 price hike. So just how much cheaper the 18 in the UK?
Can we get federal bailout money for this?
i tried it last Friday, and agree with the consensus: a good whisky, not great. for me, it had an unexpected “dryness” on the palate, almost like some white wines i’ve had.
i got a bottle for a friend from the UK for $90 complete. personally, i think the Springbank 15 has both a better flavor profile and price point.
however, for me the prince is still the Springbank 21, my bottle of which i am dangerously close to cashing…
Rich, over the years I worked my way through many bottkes of Springbank 21 year old (and I still have a few left). They varied in the amount of sherry influence, but I enjoyed them all.