Springbank 5 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review.
Springbank 5 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review.
Springbank is one of those distilleries that almost feels mythical at this point. Bottles appear, vanish, and suddenly everyone is talking about them again. Over the course of 2025, I was fortunate enough to track down the 10, 12, and 15 year expressions at close to SRP, and each one reinforced why Springbank has such a devoted following. The 10 was excellent, the 12 downright phenomenal, and the 15, while still very good, didn’t quite live up to the expectations set by its siblings.
So when Springbank announced a 5 year old release near the end of the year, curiosity immediately took over. On paper, it makes very little sense. This comes in younger than the flagship 10 year, at a higher proof, and priced almost identically. That combination raises questions right away, especially when the 10 year is only a few dollars more. Still, Springbank rarely releases anything without intention, so this felt like a bottle worth exploring.
Springbank remains one of the most hands-on distilleries in Scotland, performing nearly every step of production on-site. Despite increased demand and ramped-up production, releases like this are still relatively small and hard to find, which only fuels the frenzy around anything bearing the Springbank name. Even more interesting is here in the USA our version this release comes in at a 114 proof and the more local release comes in at 100 proof. As a new entry into what feels like their core lineup, this bottle stands out before it is even poured.
Age Statement: 5 years.
ABV: 57%.
Mash bill: 100% barley.
Area of Distillation: Campbeltown, Scotland.
Appearance: Watered-down honey.
On the nose:
The nose is light, funky, and unmistakably Springbank. Barley and young grain lead the way, supported by a gentle oiliness and a subtle peaty note. Sweet vanilla and light caramel sit underneath, along with a faint charred edge. Despite its youth, nothing here feels sharp or off-putting. There’s a soft fruit character as well, leaning toward melon. Cantaloupe and honeydew come to mind, joined by a preserved lemon note that adds brightness. It’s simple, youthful, and surprisingly pleasant, with a creamy marshmallow-like sweetness rounding everything out.
Taste:
The palate delivers that signature Springbank funk right up front, with malted barley firmly in the spotlight. Creamy vanilla carries over from the nose, creating a texture that feels almost like homemade cream soda. There’s a gentle peat-driven richness and a touch of oiliness that grounds the experience.
Mid-palate, a preserved lemon note reappears alongside soft pepper and a hint of sea salt and brine. On subsequent sips, a fresh peppermint character emerges, reminiscent of pillowy winter mints. It’s an unexpected but enjoyable twist that adds dimension to the profile.
Finish:
The finish is where the whisky shows its age most clearly. It starts with a brief cling to the palate, offering subtle oak spice and faint wood sugars, but it fades quickly. There’s no deep, lingering complexity here, and that lack of staying power ultimately holds this whisky back from greatness.
Final Thoughts:
For a 5 year old Scotch, this Springbank deserves credit. It manages to showcase complexity, balance, and character without veering into harsh or overly youthful territory. The flavors are engaging, the proof drinks comfortably, and the core Springbank identity is very much intact. That said, the pricing makes this a difficult recommendation. At around $90 to $95 in the U.S., it sits far too close to the Springbank 10 year, which offers a more complete and satisfying experience. Secondary prices are entirely unjustifiable. This is an interesting bottle for Springbank fans and a worthwhile pour if you get the chance, but it’s not one I’d reach for over the 10 year.
Rating: B- (Fairly Good).
Cost: $94.99 for 700ml.
Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt
Comments
Post a Comment