Springbank 12 Year Cask Strength (April 2023) 54.1%

Springbank 12 Year Cask Strength (April 2023) 54.1%

12 year Cask Strength is a wonderful annual Springbank classic, also this April 2023 edition shows the enormous quality of Springbank and the complex style of the distillery. A highly respected favorite in the whiskey world, unfortunately it has become a victim of its own success and is now almost impossible to recover.

We only receive limited quantities and it is rarely enough to satisfy everyone. But when you taste it, you immediately understand the hype: It is simply one of the best that Springbank can offer.

This whiskey has been aged in 60% bourbon casks and 40% sherry casks, bottled at 54.1% ABV

About the Distillery:

The Springbank distillery is known for producing three distinct types of whisky, which differ on different parameters. The distillery is located in Campbeltown, Scotland and produces around 175,000 liters of whiskey per year.

The classic Springbank whiskey has a light peat smoke, where the smoke level is indicated at approximately 10-15 ppm (parts per million) when measuring phenol in the finished malted barley. The malt is dried for 6 hours with peat smoke and then another 30 hours with hot air. The Springbank whiskey is distilled 2.5 times, which contributes to its unique character.

Another variant from the Springbank distillery is “Longrow,” which is a heavily smoked whisky. This variant was first made in 1973 and has a smoke level of around 50-55 ppm. The malt is dried for 48 hours with peat smoke, and the whiskey is distilled twice. Longrow whiskey has a more intense smoky flavor than the classic Springbank.

The newest variety from the distillery is “Hazelburn,” introduced in 1997. Hazelburn is completely unsmoked and distilled three times. This gives the whiskey a unique character and sets it apart from the other varieties. Hazelburn is a light and delicate whiskey without peat smoke that appeals to people who prefer a more subtle taste experience.

Although the distillery produces different types of whisky, Springbank accounts for around 80% of the total production. Circa 10% is the Longrow that appeals to those seeking a more smoky flavor experience. The remaining 10% is dedicated to Hazelburn, which attracts whiskey enthusiasts who prefer an unsmoked and triple distilled variety.

What makes Springbank Distillery unique and worth exploring is their commitment to quality and tradition. The distillery itself malts all the barley they use for the production of their whisky. Color is never added to the whiskey and it is not chill-filtered, preserving more natural flavor nuances and characteristics. These principles appeal to many whiskey geeks who value craftsmanship and authenticity in their spirits experience.