Archives Springbank 1996 Cask 55
$699.99
Available by request, a 22 year old Springbank distilled in 1996 and matured in a ex-Bourbon Hogshead, Cask No. 55, bottled at 54.9%. Bottled under the "Shells from the Bay of Caraca" line, with a picture of Chain-Spotted Brunnette Cone, drawn by L. Donovan over 150 years ago. Scored 88pts from Angus for Whisky Fun.
88pts Angus Whisky Fun
"From a series named ‘Shells from the Bay of Caraccas’. I’m asking you, don’t they have any shells around Campbeltown? Colour: straw. Nose: it’s a more buttery Springbank, I would say, with more cask influence (here coconut oil and papaya), but it tends to become sharper and better while it remains a rather cleaner one, less dirty/greasy than the 1993. With water: indeed it is a fruitier one. Some lemonade, kiwi juice, and only then a little more Springbanky dirtiness. Mouth (neat): a rather perfect lemony one. Imagine someone would have smoked lemons and then made some limoncello out of those. With water: a little more earth, while that fruity American-oak character remains. Finish: medium, fruitier than most Springbanks from that era – which may come from the cask. Comments: this one’s a notch lighter than others, I think, but it’s excellent. SGP:652 - 88 points."
Archives Springbank 1996 Cask 56
$699.99
Available by request, a 22 year old Springbank, distilled in 1996 and bottled at 55.8% after maturing in a Bourbon Hogshead. Bottled under the "Shells from the Bay of Caraccas" line, with a picture of the Triton's Trumpet", drawn by C.E. Lischke, published over 150 years ago. Scored 91 pts from Angus for Whisky Fun.
Tasting Note By Angus for Whisky Fun
"That’s right, a sister cask (well spotted, Sherlock). Colour: straw. Nose: yeah well, we have our drier, earthier, more medicinal and mineral none. Less papaya, more damp chalk, more Springbankness. And there, seashells (which is very fitting indeed.) With water: perfectly pure, almost immaculate Springbank goodness. Mouth (neat): indeed, same comment, this is more mineral, more mentholy, earthier, with more raw wool as well than in the sister cask. Wonderful sharp lemon, also. With water: as on the nose, perfectly pure, almost immaculate Springbank goodness. Finish: rather long and very chalky. Just a tad sweet in the aftertaste. Comments: clearly my favourite among the two casks, but both are wonderful. SGP:452 - 91 points."
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 10.147
$163.99
MARMALADE ROCK POOLS
From Islay, this 10 year old was matured in a refill hogshead and comes in at 60.8%.
Flavour profile: Oily & coastal.
Outturn: 242 bottles.
Panel's tasting note: "The nose conjured a scene of coastal calm as the setting sun highlighted salty rock pools beneath the mineralic contours of chalky cliffs. The air carried a faint whiff of perfumed smoke, perhaps from burning heather and gorse, which mixed with the clean and earthy smell of a dunnage warehouse floor.
The palate surprised with a fiery kick like an unexpected chili pepper lurking in honey. Sweetness ensued as the biscuity base of cheesecake mingled with thick cut marmalade to balance with a fruity tang that also encapsulated physalis and kumquat. The finish delivered a wonderfully oily texture and left a lasting taste of fine Cognac and spiced pickle."
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 29.261
$534.99
AN EVIL DUTCH DENTIST'S DRAM - Only 6 bottles left!
Bottled for the 2019 Islay Whisky Festival, this 21 year old is 50.3% and after 19 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead it was transferred to a 1st fill Oloroso hogshead for the remainder of its maturation.
Flavour profile: Old & dignified.
Outturn: 257 bottles.
Panel's tasting note: "Tropical fruits! Hallelujah exclaimed the Panel. A style that harks back to much older examples of this distillery. Beautiful aromas of tropical fruit syrups, lemon jam, muesli, grilling whelks, sandalwood, lightly smoked barley orange oils and camphor. A little water reveals a more farmyard orientation with notes of lemon rind, earth, beach sand, brine, wool, chalk and flints.
The palate is powerful at first with notes of grist, peat oils, fragrant herbs, smoked meats and orange zest. Before returning to these tropical aspects with notes of pink grapefruit and guava. With reduction it goes towards coconut water, treacle, kiln fresh peat smoke, mango slices and pineapple syrup. Majestic whisky! Matured for 19 years in a bourbon hogshead before transfer to a 1st fill Oloroso hogshead."
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 4.251
$179.99
ARMCHAIR DANCING DRAM
This 13 year old from a Highland Island is 58.1% after maturing in a refill hogshead.
Flavour profile: Lightly peated.
Outturn: 305 bottles.
Panel's tasting note: "The nose is a captivating Orkney saga – herbal smoke (garden bonfires, heather moor-burn); followed by sea-shore hints of salty spray and langoustines on beach bonfire barbecues – lastly chocolate limes. The initial palate has a chewy, earthy, salty thread of peat smoke – followed by chocolate and butterscotch (Daim bars), Bounty bars and ice-cream – mouth-filling, lip-smacking and very satisfying indeed – a real armchair dram (though you might feel the need to get up and dance occasionally).
With water, the smoke takes a medicinal, shaman’s tepee, male bonding turn – with heather flowers and chocolate dancing sensually behind that almost transparent curtain of smoke."
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 12.25
$111.74
STEALTH TRUFFLE PIG
This 10 year old Speysider comes in at 60.4% and after 9 years in a bourbon hoghsead it was transferred to a 1st fill charred red wine barrique for the rest of its maturation.
Flavour profile: Deep, rich & dried fruits.
Outturn: 267 bottles.
Panel's tasting note: "A red fruit scented Beaujolais nouveau, sweet abundance of red fruit compotes, furniture polish, treacle tart, nutmeg and spiced fruit chutneys. Also plum wine, orange bitters and sweet roasted peppers. Water brings toasted brioche, buttery croissant, raisins, youthful Petite Champagne cognac, menthol toothpaste and herbal resins - like an aged herbal liqueur.
In the mouth, initially, it’s all strawberry jam, wood char, frying bacon, serrano ham, black pepper and maraschino cherry. Some chili oil gives heat and there are suggestions of truffle pecorino and chocolate syrups. Reduction enhances the savoury aspects with notes of brown bread, coal dust, sooty ointments, aspirin, honeydew melon, camphor, sour cherries and blackcurrant cordial. Matured for 9 years in a bourbon hogshead before transfer to a 1st fill charred red wine barrique."
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 63.53
$131.99
NUTTY PROFESSOR'S DRAM
This 8 year old Speysider comes in at 60.5% after maturing in a refill barrel.
Flavour proflle: Spicy & dry.
Outturn: 227 bottles.
Panel's tasting note: "The nose initially opened with flower meadows, Turkish Delight and ice cream – then developed nutty aromas (Magnum ice cream bars, Bounty bar, hazelnut shells, peanut brittle). The palate had good viscosity and body – lots of sweet flavours (toffee, milk chocolate, treacle tart, honey) and a gentle spicy finish of cinnamon.
Water brightened the nose again, offering lemon balm and lemon puffs, perfumed tobacco, shaved oak and almond slice. The palate retained its body and sweetness – chocolate sauce and nuts on raspberry ripple, dark chocolate Brazil nuts, with an even more drying, tingling finish of toasted pine nuts, ginger and pomegranate."
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 80.9
$105.74
A WOLF IN WOLF'S CLOTHING
This 11 year old Speysider was matured in a refill hogshead and comes in at 55.7%.
Flavour profile: Young & spritely.
Outturn: 250 bottles.
Panel's tasting note: "Pinecones, fabric and air freshener strike first in this open and inviting nose. Underlying are textural notes of engine oil, raw barley, earthy turmeric, lemon peel and macadamia nut. Water opens the nose further with white stone fruits, lemon cheesecake, lychee, rosewater, grass, sorrel, wild garlic, pistachio nut and a pebble strewn minerality.
The taste is surprisingly dense for this distillery. Plenty of sooty wax, lime curds, white truffle, dried sage, hazelnut, white balsamic, graphite oil and savoury pastries. With reduction there is a heightened earthiness, more gravelly notes, mineral oil, crushed aspirin, aged white Madeira, perfumed waxes and old Riesling."
Signatory Clynelish 1995 57.7%
$349.99
Only a dozen bottles of this 23 year old Clynelish have come to KWM. Only 8 are left for sale. Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt, and bottled at 57.7%.