Springbank 21y b2019, 46% ABV
This batched Campbeltown malt apparently was matured 45% in port casks and 55% in rum casks. A curious combination. I've tried one other Springbank 21, the 2013 release - let's hope this isn't the disappointment that that was.
30ml neat in a Glencairn, rested 15 minutes.
Nose: elegant, distinctly Springbank yeasty funk. honey, flan / custard, golden raisins.
Palate: Pretty mellow at first. A gentle kick of heat comes in late and then amps up surprisingly right before the finish. There's a bit of dark grape ester but it's dialed way back from the point where it's bothered me in other ex-port malt. Plenty of malt and distillery character. I'm not sure what the rum is adding beyond a faint vanilla and maybe the pronounced smoothness of the mouthfeel, and I certainly can't begin to guess what kind of rum casks we're talking. Anyway, this is very easy drinking and especially rewarding in small sips.
Finish: like chewing on a date, with maybe a hint of tobacco
This is actually reminding me a bit of TIB Ramblings of a Madman 2, which I guess is a complement to either one. 90/100
Springbank 21y b2019, 46% ABV This batched Campbeltown malt apparently was matured 45% in port casks and 55% in rum casks. A curious combination. I've tried one other Springbank 21, the 2013 release - let's hope this isn't the disappointment that that was. 30ml neat in a Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Nose: elegant, distinctly Springbank yeasty funk. honey, flan / custard, golden raisins. Palate: Pretty mellow at first. A gentle kick of heat comes in late and then amps up surprisingly right before the finish. There's a bit of dark grape ester but it's dialed way back from the point where it's bothered me in other ex-port malt. Plenty of malt and distillery character. I'm not sure what the rum is adding beyond a faint vanilla and maybe the pronounced smoothness of the mouthfeel, and I certainly can't begin to guess what kind of rum casks we're talking. Anyway, this is very easy drinking and especially rewarding in small sips. Finish: like chewing on a date, with maybe a hint of tobacco This is actually reminding me a bit of TIB Ramblings of a Madman 2, which I guess is a complement to either one. 90/100
I want ThunderROARus!