Springbank 100 proof 5 years old: Adorably Victorian
The twenty-first century so far has been an amazing time for the Scottish whisky industry. At the forefront of many distilleries opening their doors and firing up the stills, were Glengyle Distillery in Campbeltown and Kilchoman on Islay. But after that, keeping count was almost impossible. This development had many benefits, not in the least for employment numbers, but it also had an effect on how whisky enthusiasts experience their dram. Where drinking whisky matured shorter than 10 years was frowned upon before, we now easily turn to Ardnamurchan, Nc’nean, Ardnahoe, GlenWyvis, Holyrood, Torabhaig, Kingsbarns, and many others. All these expression are easily offered to us in age ranges between 3 and 8 years old. Some of them are actually reaching the “holy age” of 10 or 12 years, like Kingsbarns or Wolfburn.
Is every whisky suitable for bottling at a young age? In my perception, I would say no. Springbank is however one of the exceptions. The rather oily spirit reaches a tasty level very quickly. When I was invited into the Springbank Stallions group a few years ago, I had the pleasure of drinking some Springbank new make straight from the still. Even as raw and white as that, it was perfectly drinkable. In recent years, we saw the Springbank Society members getting used as test audience. First there was a 5 years old release similar to the expression we taste today, which was then followed by an equally young sherry version. Both were excellent. And here we are now: a young expression of Springbank, and at 100 proof. Unlike the Longrow, this one has an age statement. Is it the Springbank answer to all these new, young cats? It might well be, because: why not? We will taste below if the product can keep up with those new talents. The bar is raised high!
A point of concern must be mentioned too. Maybe it is just me, but I understand Springbank has some stock challenges in the future. The 25 years old has been cancelled and replaced by vintage expressions. My question would be: will it create a problem that stock will be consequently taken for vatting this 5 years old, for quarterly releases? Has production been increased to maintain stock for champion releases like the 10, 12 and 15? I am sure I will get my chance to ask these questions upon my next visit to Campbeltown, in January 2026.
Springbank 5 years old 100 proof, bottled at 57,1 % abv
First things first: So, very young Springbank, bottled at 5 years old after maturing in fresh bourbon casks. This is supposed to be a quarterly release, so enough for everyone.
Upon Sipping: When I opened my bottle, the first smell that hit me was warm barley lying on the malt barn floor, just waiting to be tricked into growing. With water, you get that same malt floor, but smelling more like dry concrete. The vanilla is all over this bottling, and it also carries with it the typical limestone you just want to find in pure Springbank malt. There are some industrious notes, like whiffs of diesel, easily interchanged with the aroma of empty grain bins. In fact: this Springbank 100 proof at 5 years old smells like taking a walk through the distillery buildings in Campbeltown. Adorably Victorian.
The palate delivers on the promise of the nose. The vanilla is strong, but the liquid is surprisingly smoky, and that is a fun asset to this Springbank 100 proof. At 5 years old you notice much better that Springbank has its share of PPM, even though it is not so strong as with Longrow, obviously. Beyond the vanilla, there is a good deal of lemon drizzle. With water, we bring out more of the classic oranges and other smoky fruit, like tangerines and fresh apples. The finish, ultimately, offers a tremendous balance, which might well sum up the brilliance of this new Springbank.
Word to the Wise: To repeat my last words: the new Springbank 100 proof at 5 years old has an age statement, but it is by no means an immature whisky, and shows impressive balance. It is a rich, by times even peaty dram.
This offers a variety of the core range and deserve its place among the other regulars. My advice: let it sink in, and do not fall for flippers. (On Whiskybase someone from Luxembourg tries to sell this for almost three times the price. Nonsense. This is good stuff for 50 or 60 euro/pound.)
Score: 87 points.