Springbank Distillery typically holds a special place in the heart of whisky enthusiasts. The quality of their distillates, the differences between Hazelburn, Longrow, and, of course, Springbank, and the fact that they still make it as they did decades ago, with floor maltings, old-style equipment, and a rejection of unnecessary modernisation, all contribute to its appeal. Dozens of people work at the distillery, not just three people and a computer. The Springbank funk and the consistency of the Springbank 10-year-old, which has remained a fantastic whisky for years without failing or cutting corners, and still at an accessible price, are reasons why whisky enthusiasts love Springbank. Count me among them. For long-time fans, there’s the Springbank Society, which offers access (via ballot) to special and exclusive releases that remain reasonably priced. Unfortunately, I discovered the Springbank Society too late; due to its success, they have closed new applications for several years. However, thanks to a good friend, I managed to get samples of two recent society releases: the Hazelburn 2007 and Springbank 2003 Society exclusives, aged 16 and 20 years, respectively.
Hazelburn 2007 16-year-old Springbank Society (2023) Review
We start with the Hazelburn 2007, bottled in 2023 at 16 years of age. Hazelburn is a triple-distilled unpeated single malt. Distilled in June 2007 and bottled in September 2023, this particular release spent 13 years maturing in refill Ruby Port casks, followed by 3 years in fresh Ruby Port casks. They produced a total of 1,610 half (35 cl) bottles, initially priced at £50 a bottle. You will have to rely on the secondary market (usually with a hefty markup) to get one, as it sold out.
Colour:
Darker than old oak, but redder than brown sherry. (Reminder: I’m using the colour scale at the bottom of the Scoring System & Whisky Colour page.)
Nose:
Neat: Dark and red fruits (blackcurrant, raspberries, blueberries) with a hint of bitter orange marmalade. Reminiscent of Mon Chéri chocolates and cinnamon. Subtle lavender notes, dusty leather armchairs, and a light citrus sharpness.
With water: Vanilla, sweet and buttery pastry, with a slight solvent sharpness, followed by wet soil and dry hay.
Palate:
Neat: Viscous and sweet, with bright red and dark fruits. Juicy plums and dark cherries, balanced by citrus tartness. Notes of oak bitterness and medium vinous flavours, complemented by nuttiness from hazelnuts and almonds.
With water: More vinous, with strong red and dark fruit notes and baking spices.
Finish:
Warm and medium in length, featuring oaky bitterness and lingering spiciness. Notes of raspberry jam, apricot almonds, and cinnamon.
Comments:
This Hazelburn 2007 showcases a good Ruby Port influence without excessive vinous notes and no trace of sulfur. It’s probably one of the best Ruby Port-matured whiskies I’ve tried. Although I enjoy the vanilla notes that appear on the nose after adding water, I believe this whisky is best enjoyed neat.
Rating: 7.5/10
Springbank 2003 20-year-old Springbank Society (2024) Review
Next is a Springbank distilled in May 2003 and bottled in March 2024 at 20 years of age, after maturing in fresh port casks. They produced a total of 2,700 half (35 cl) bottles, initially sold at £125. Like the Hazelburn, your only chance of finding it now is on the secondary market, likely at double the original price.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: Light peat, milk chocolate with dried fruit chunks, hints of strawberries and plums, warm spices, and light vinous aromas. Notes of oak, malt, and bitter orange, along with earthy tones of wet soil, moss, and musty dunnage warehouse. The smoke integrates beautifully, complementing the aromas without overpowering them.
With water: Citrusy fruits emerge, accompanied by vanilla and warm, freshly baked pain aux raisins, with a hint of a cigar box.
Palate:
Neat: The palate begins with fruity and prickly notes, reminiscent of a sparkling red and dark berries drink. Dark chocolate and smoke follow, with fizzy spices, a metallic and prickly taste akin to licking a 9V battery, plum eau-de-vie, spicy oak, cocoa powder, and the distinctive Springbank funk.
With water: The palate becomes spicier, with notes of grapefruit, orange marmalade, balsamic vinegar, and dark chocolate.
Finish:
Long, featuring squeezed orange juice, smoke, and cigarette ash, with oak bitterness and dark cherries.
Comments:
This Springbank, matured in fresh port casks (or perhaps just finished in them), has less port influence than the Hazelburn. This allows the classic Springbank funk to shine, complemented by red and dark fruits from the port casks. Although my tasting notes may not fully convey it, this whisky, like the Hazelburn, is better enjoyed neat. I particularly enjoyed the unique ‘licking a 9V battery’ sensation, and found the red and dark fruit notes less pronounced than in the Hazelburn.
Rating: 8/10
Thanks a lot Eraldo! Bottle pictures lifted from Whiskybase as usual.