Springbank Cask Strength 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review.

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Springbank Cask Strength 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review.



    Springbank is one of those distilleries that seems to live in a constant state of pursuit. Bottles appear in waves, vanish just as quickly, and leave behind a trail of regret for anyone who hesitated. I didn’t expect to find the 12 Year Cask Strength sitting on a shelf months after missing it the first time, but when it showed up locally, there was no chance I was letting it slip again.

    After being blown away by the Springbank 10 and securing the 15 shortly after, the 12 Cask Strength felt like the missing piece. Given Springbank’s reputation and scarcity, expectations were high, but the real intrigue lies in how this whisky is put together.

    This release is matured using a thoughtful and deliberate cask composition. Sixty percent of the whisky spent time in ex-bourbon casks,thirty-five percent comes from ex-sherry casks, while the final five percent is aged in ex-rum casks.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/qZqxBK1E3XE.

Age Statement: 12 years. 

ABV: 55.9% (Cask strength).

Mash bill: 100% barley.

Area of Distillation: Campbeltown, Scotland.

Appearance: Sunset gold.


On the nose:
    The nose opens with a beautiful balance of smoky sweetness. Soft peat smoke weaves through layers of dark cherry, figs, plums, and ripe grapes. There’s a noticeable tropical influence as well, with papaya, coconut, and a standout note of pineapple cream that gives the aroma a playful, dessert-like quality. The ex-bourbon casks contribute caramel, vanilla, and gentle wood sugars, grounding everything without muting the brighter notes. For a cask strength whisky, it comes across surprisingly soft, approachable, and polished.


Taste:
    The palate delivers smoky, earthy peat up front, followed by an oily texture that coats the mouth. Notes of machine oil and a touch of petrol appear alongside rich cherry, dark fruits, and a gentle tropical sweetness from the rum cask influence. Smoked pineapple, papaya, and coconut return, supported by sweet cinnamon, clove, and baking spice. The whisky does not drink hot, instead offering a balanced and confident delivery that lets each element shine without overpowering the others.


Finish:
    The finish is creamy and satisfying, with lingering peat smoke reminiscent of a soft, next-day campfire. Caramel, crème brûlée, and subtle char fade slowly alongside gentle spice and fruit. It’s a finish that invites another sip and rewards patience.


Final Thoughts: 
    Springbank 12 Year Cask Strength is a reminder of why this distillery commands so much attention. It’s rich, complex, and remarkably well-integrated for a whisky at this proof. While secondary prices push this bottle beyond reasonable territory, its retail pricing sits comfortably alongside other respected cask strength Scotches, and the added complexity from the sherry and rum casks gives it an edge over much of the competition. This is not just a collectible bottle, but a genuinely joyful pour that delivers depth without sacrificing balance.


Rating: A (Amazing).

Cost: $134.99 for 700ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/qZqxBK1E3XE.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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