Springbank 17 Years Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Campbeltown, Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in a combination of fresh and refill sherry butts and hogsheads. Utilizes both European and American oak.
Age Statement: 17 years (1997-2015).
ABV: 52.3%.
Color and Clarity: Dark whisky, natural haze may form when cold due to non-chill filtration.
Bottle Design: Traditional labeling with emphasis on the age statement, maturation type, and distillery region.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of light peatiness, sherry fruitiness, and pronounced oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a slight pittiness, adding an additional dimension. The sherry influence is present but not dominant, allowing the oakiness to shine through.
Comparison: Distinguished from heavily sherry-influenced whiskies by its balanced oakiness and the subtle presence of peat and sherry.

Distillery History: Springbank is located in Campbeltown, once home to over 30 distilleries, now only three remain. It emphasizes traditional practices, including avoiding artificial coloring and non-chill filtration.
Production Details: The use of fresh and refill sherry butts and hogsheads, along with the choice of European and American oak, is highlighted to explain the whisky's flavor profile and color.

Campbeltown's Legacy: The whisky embodies the rich distilling heritage of Campbeltown, a region with a storied past in Scotch whisky production. The distillery's commitment to traditional methods and regional identity is emphasized.

"Springbank always has, or most often has, a slight pittiness in its whiskies, and this brings an additional dimension to the whisky." - Horst Luening
"This one has a dominant oakiness, so the pronunciation of Sherrywood should be on the wood, not on the sherry." - Horst Luening
"It's quite complex because you have the very light peatiness, you have the sherry fruitiness, and you have the oakiness in the back." - Horst Luening

Springbank 17 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Campbeltown, matured in a mix of sherry butts and hogsheads.
It features a complex flavor profile with light peat, sherry fruitiness, and pronounced oakiness.
The whisky is a collector's item, with a limited release of 9,120 bottles worldwide, and has seen significant price increases in the secondary market.
It represents the distilling heritage of Campbeltown and Springbank's commitment to traditional whisky-making practices.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited release and rising prices, this whisky is highly recommended for collectors seeking rare bottles.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for complex, balanced whiskies that showcase a blend of peat, sherry, and oak will find this offering particularly enjoyable.
Fans of Campbeltown Whiskies: Individuals who appreciate the unique characteristics of Campbeltown single malts will likely enjoy the traditional craftsmanship and regional flavors of Springbank 17 Years.