Old Springbank to celebrate 400 blogs on LPA
We have reached post # 400 on Long Pour Amour and we did not want this perfectly rounded number to go to waste. So when the opportunity came up, presented by my dear whisky friend Erik, to buy two exquisite samples of Springbank, I did not pass it up. Both of them are independently bottled by Archives, who we know and trust to do the right thing. One would think that bottling a Springbank is an easy road to success, but is it?
Springbank 1993, 31 years old, bottled at 44,4 % abv by Archives
First things first: This Springbank was bottled in the Shells from the Bay of Caraccas series done by Archives. This bourbon hogshead produced only 50 bottles, so that probably indicates a split-cask. No matter what, we are going to enjoy it! Bottled in 2024.
Upon Sipping: Explosive fruit, zesty notes and dry gummi candy bears in a bag that was left open for too long. Dry and dusty. Gets more and more tropical with time to breathe. More talkative than the official 30 years old that was released by Springbank in January 2026. Glad I could taste that one, so I could decide to not spend almost 1000 pounds on it. This single cask seems much more lively compared to the batch release. I settle on mango juice before I decide to take my first sip. Oh yes, the fruit character remains strong, mixed with dark wood notes. The finish feels a bit tired though, that is a pity. The nose keeps on developing new attractions, it is just the palate and especially the finish that cannot keep up with that. The wood spices are pleasant and with enough patience some limestone (finally) comes through. A good waxy profile cannot be denied here, lovely! When you start building up this Springbank Archives 31 years old like a Lego creation, you will find that it stands tall and proud. It just needs time, like a good Lego creation does, doesn’t it?
Word to the Wise: This bottling gets the job done. I have seen many people who’s palate I respect score this even higher, so maybe it does not totally meet my expectations, but still, this is massive stuff all on fruit and waxes and balance. Especially the latter is impressive.
Score: 90 points.
Springbank 2001, 23 years old, bottled at 53,9 % abv by Archives
First things first: This Springbank was also bottled in the Shells from the Bay of Caraccas series done by Archives. This refill sherry butt produced only 66 bottles. Bottled in 2024.
Upon Sipping: What do we have here? Oh yes, a classic sulphur bomb that I would have sooner expected from a mid-nineties Springbank. Curry chutney, Asian cuisine, lots of spices everywhere, like lying on a beach made of spices, it reaches into your crack even! It is difficult to unearth (pun intended) the subtleties of this Springbank Archives, but that is what you get when you bottle a beastly cask. Still, I do find some light hints of orange behind the facade. Maybe we get some more when we add some water, but first we sip undiluted. The arrival is initially sweeter than I expected, but then a rubbery nastiness takes over. Ow, this is a difficult one, yessirree (in Ted Lasso voice), that burns the hairs straight from your tongue. Spicy to the max, really for those who love Indian food at the charming Bangladesh Tandoori close to the Cadenhead’s Tasting Room on Bolgam Street. This might well be a divisive whisky, but I am sure it will have a ton of fans and admirers too. Sadly, I am not too fond of this style, even though at the certain time it seemed to belong to Springbank releases like Trump belongs to Epstein. With water we got downright gunpowder. The taste has gained a metallic edge, lots of rubber and no daylight left. This one is a hard pill to swallow.
Word to the Wise: Well, let me tell you this, if sulphury gunpowder whisky is not your style, then I know better things to do with roughly 900 euro for this bottle. Like buying seven bottles of the regular Springbank 15. I am sure this kind of style Springbank has fans, and I am trying to see this whisky through their eyes, but I can’t help but think this has a flaw or two too many.
Score: 83 points.