The Springbank distillery actually produces three different brands of single malt at the one location - Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn. In addition to being one of the few operating distilleries located in Campbeltown, they also are one of the only distilleries that performs all malting, distilling, aging, and bottling on-site. Given this, it's no surprise that Springbank was shortlisted in Whisky Magazine's distillers of the year back in 2010. The Springbank CV expression combines various aged Springbank malts aged in a mixture of casks including ones that formerly held bourbon, sherry and port.Nose: Cedar/piney with menthol giving way to a mild sweetness. There are bready undertones complimented by sour fruit.
Palate: She's an oily one all right. Initially hot on the
tongue, there is a brief citrus followed by fresh cut grass and clover
which is quickly overpowered by the heat on this dram. Although
appealing, the flavours present are closed and underdeveloped. A
small burst of peat smoke will appeal to those looking for such a fix.
Finish: Very short and dry. There is a bit of rubber combined with cocoa and the result is not exceedingly pleasant.
Overall: We've been generally smitten with the Springbank 10 and 15, but this fairly mundane expression doesn't make our 'must buy' list. For an extra five dollars, we'd recommend you spring for the Springbank 10 with much more intrigue to offer than the CV.
Finish: Very short and dry. There is a bit of rubber combined with cocoa and the result is not exceedingly pleasant.
Overall: We've been generally smitten with the Springbank 10 and 15, but this fairly mundane expression doesn't make our 'must buy' list. For an extra five dollars, we'd recommend you spring for the Springbank 10 with much more intrigue to offer than the CV.
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Jeff, well timed article for myself as I have recently been exploring the Springbank range. I found CV probably the most pleasing and unoffensive to the new to casual scotch consumer. A good, but certainly not great, scotch.
Springbank (SB) 10 has better character and more spice, which was easily worth the extra ~$10 over the CV. SB 12 Cask Strength is a big jump in price (~$30 from 10 yr), even more wood + spice elements. I'll probably go 10 yr over CS based on price alone; CS still a must try for fans of Springbank.
Had a glass of 15 at a restaurant recently, phenomenal, I'll need a bottle here soon enough ;)
Cheers!
Mike