Tasting the Springbank Sherry Wood Fino expression
We have arrived at the penultimate release of the Springbank 10 years old in the sherry series. The most recent instalment is a Fino matured expression. Now we also know the Manzanilla will be the closing act of the series. I recall attending a Springbank Society tasting in my hometown of Zaltbommel, the Netherlands, in August 2024. By then, there were still some doubts about which sherry release would go first after the Amontillado of that year. Both the Fino and the Manzanilla were still developing dynamically, and the choice was not made yet. But time passes as surely as the sun comes up every day, and the die has been cast. We are presented with the next release, which we taste below!
I actually just returned from Campbeltown, for my yearly visit as part of the Springbank Stallions. We all stretch our eight horse legs as well as we could, and had an amazing week at the hands of the good people at J&A Mitchell. More news to report in a more elaborate post later, but for now the big news is: by the time you read this, Springbank has probably performed the first run in the new and refurbished stills. That must be an exciting time!
Springbank Sherry Wood 10 years old, Fino, bottled at 55 % abv
First things first: This Springbank matured for 4 years in bourbon wood, before spending the rest of the time in Fresh Fino casks. Exactly 11.400 bottles were released.
Upon Sipping: Lively nose on blood oranges and concrete floor on which you dropped a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It does contain some characterful spices, not getting too powdery. I can’t deny there is also a meaty quality to this. Good balance, some smoke even, or wood dust or grit that lies on an untouched barrel for 10 years. The arrival on the palate is more sweet than expected, leaning towards juicy strawberry and delicate peaches. It turns very much tropical on the finish, and this pineapple kick lingers for a long time, with a hint of bitter chocolate and limestone.
A splash of water does nothing for the nose, but the palate has become more mellow now. Someone is dripping caramel on top of my fruits. The finish turned a bit dry. Diluting is not the way to go, even though it swims nicely, it just does not need it. Water will enhance the leathery note on this Springbank, with a rough edge actually.
Word to the Wise: A very impressive dram, with a very sweet side that is elevated by the more darker notes, like caramel and chocolate. It works well together. Fino is not the easiest cask to survive, but Springbank was up to the task. This taste like a whisky that could have been distilled in the 1960s or 1970s.
Score: 90 points.