Taste: Springbank 12 Year Cask Strength 50.3%

A Springbank review is long overdue here at Whisky Rover so I've lined up the recent cask strength 12 year old release and it is lovely to say the least. This late 2013 release was highlighted to me and after a tasting I had to make a purchase - it is one of those impressive casks and releases that has to be experienced. A little different from other Springbank bottles I have enjoyed, not as peaty, yet still full of those recognisable distillery characteristics.

It seems I am not alone in my appreciation of this Springbank, as the recent Malt Maniacs awards for 2013 bestowed a silver medal and also the best natural cask release in their daily drams section, which are bottles priced under 50 Euros. It is fantastic stuff but after these awards it might be a little hard to pick up in the coming months. At the moment it is still available across several retailers for around £45. If you're still looking for a Christmas present for that special person who enjoys whisky then for the price this is extremely good value and almost impossible to trump.

Distillery: Springbank
Distilled: 2001
Bottled: 2013
Strength: 50.3%
Cask: Sherry and bourbon casks #6
Additional: Non-chill filtered

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Mandarin, lemon, apricot, linseed oil and some grassy notes. 
Taste: Less peat than I'd expect from Springbank, yeah it is still present and the first thing you pick up as it coats the tongue wow! Then strap yourself in for pepper, chocolate, liquorice, oranges and fresh pine. A real freshness and depth of character for just 12 years old kinda reminded me in parts of the Ben Nevis Traditional release; this feels historical but it is bona fide 21st century whisky. For the asking price this is an absolute steal and I cannot help but feel some other distilleries or those owned by large corporations would be asking a heck of a lot more for a bottle. Merry Christmas Springbank!