Springbank 15

Susan bought me a bottle of Springbank 15 for Father’s Day. I had tasted Springbank about a year ago, when Danny had a bottle, but it’s not a malt one easily finds out and about. Too bad for that; this is some great whisky.

Springbank is a Campbelltown malt, which apparently is a rarity today, after most of the Campbelltown distilleries have closed. I’m gathering that Campbelltown is actually a peninsula, somewhere on the west coast of Scotland, and not far from Islay. Springbank has a big taste, with more peat than the highland malts, but not the overpowering peat of some of the more famous Islay whiskies. The taste is reminiscent of Highland Park, with a touch of peat underneath a strong malty flavor. The peat is not the distinctive characteristic; rather, it’s the big full malty flavor. Jackson calls it sophisticated, and I can agree with that. But then he goes on to talk of vanilla, Dundee cake, and new leather?? What is that? Anyway, the 15 is bottled at 92 proof, meaning it’s not chill filtered. There’s a bit of a bite, but really, I’ll take the bite with the big taste.

Jackson gives it a 90, which I think is well deserved. It’s a little pricey for a fifteen year old malt – maybe ten bucks more than a bottle of HP 18, and I can’t say it’s any better than the HP. So then this is not a whisky for everyday drinking; it’s not the first choice when you’re reaching into the cabinet. But for something a bit distinctive, with a rich full flavor, let’s say after a good steak dinner, Springbank is a welcome addition to the liquor cabinet.