Springbank 12-year-old

Springbank octet: 07Oct2023 Springbank 12yo OB CS batch 24 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88- Springbank 18yo OB (2023) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/215607/springbank-18-year-old 87- Hazelburn 21yo OB (2022) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232463/hazelburn-21-year-old 90- Springbank 21yo OB (2021) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/196644/springbank-21-year-old 88+ Springbank 21yo OB (2022) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/215604/springbank-21-year-old 90- Springbank 22yo AD 1998 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/177919/springbank-1998-ad 88- Springbank 21yo AD 2000 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/188960/springbank-2000-ad 90+ Springbank 30yo OB (2022) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/210362/springbank-30-year-old 92-

tried the 15, the 18, the 21 and the 12 CS all from the 2023 iteration.. the 15 had a gorgeous nose made of old leather, black teas and dusty sherry, but couldn’t keep up on the palate.. the 18 was best in show with less overt sherry notes, but more structure and complexity and a strong Soringbank-ian palate (you all know what i mean).. while the 21 had the best finish, without making a big impact otherwise (found a strong licorice note and i’m not too fond of licorice)… aaand the 12 CS took home the popularity prize, having to chose which bottle to buy, would be this one, balanced in every way, full, charismatic and certain of its power, without the need to impress with fancy add-ons.. just a joy of a whisky, really! thank you, Henri, for this (increasingly rare) opportunity!

Tasty and colorful at once

Another great edition. The 40% sherry casks seem to be more dominant, but it works really well. And it shows once again why I love going back to these releases!

Nice fruitiness and really just little dirty, usually the SB 12 CS series is quite dirty, very enjoyable - pretty good

For me, this Springbank has a nice note of ripe peach, which can be found in the aroma and taste. However, the alcohol also plays a big role there, it's a bit too heavy for me here and doesn't seem so well integrated. In addition, there is the hefty price of 100 to 150 €, for the RRP of around 80 € you can buy it if you want.

22+22,5+22,5+22

Somehow I remembered Springbank as smokier. Even without water there is no scratching or stinging, but with water and a little time it becomes more complex.

Batch variation should be celebrated, showcasing a whisky from year to year in different guises. An intriguing nose awaits, where plums, ginger and whiffs of a dunnage warehouse compete with lemon zest, bay leaves and restrained peat smoke. Orange zest, pepper and herbal peatiness accompany the bold arrival, emphasizing spicy, bitter and sour flavors. Water unlocks sweet notes of milk chocolate, marmalade and peach. Citrus fruits, walnuts and black salsify linger in the solid finish. A good batch of Springbank 12, but not an outstanding one. RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 88 pts → FIRST-CLASS

The same blending ratio as Sringbank10, more balanced, is the whisky I am familiar with. Less of the dirty smell of early Springbank

Very good, elegant, Springbank! What I liked most was the continuous change of sensations and the often contrasting aromas and flavors (sweet and salty, chocolate and brine...). Peat is my favorite: not an intrusive smoke that covers everything but a gentle hand that accompanies and gives character to an exceptional and varied palette of aromas.

22 23 22 22 89 - another bottle, - another yummy!

Maybe I was not in a mood, but I remember enjoying 12yo much more.

Stewed fruits, light funk, salinity, medium peat Strong and full of flavor, nice lightly sherried springer

Recent Springbank CS editions, 30Jun2025: Benromach 9yo OB 2014 SC https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/255352/benromach-2014 87+ Springbank 12yo OB CS#26 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/265185/springbank-12-year-old 89- Springbank 12yo OB CS#25 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/257684/springbank-12-year-old 88- Springbank 12yo OB CS#24 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88+ Springbank 12yo OB CS#23 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/192086/springbank-12-year-old 88+

Nose-85; Taste-89; Finish-87.

I find the smoke quite prominent, yet simultaneously smooth, with notes of greengage plum jam, fig jam, a few raspberries, floor wax, and heather honey. There's also charcoal and soot, albeit in small quantities. Behind this lies a touch of indulgence: pastry cream, vanilla macarons, and a dusting of powdered sugar. On the palate, it's less complex, but very good: almonds, lychees, pear, white grapes, and well-balanced spices. The finish is long, mellow, and powerfully balanced, with resin, dates, cola, dried apricots, a very slight bitterness from the wood, and hazelnuts. In any case, it's incredibly good, very smooth from the first whiff, delicate on the palate and a very long finish without being quite explosive. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2026/08/springbank-12-yo-cask-strength-batch-24.html

Loved it, and wrote some notes on it for the Maltfascination.com blog. In short: needs some playing around with patience and water, but then you get rewarded. https://maltfascination.com/2023/06/02/springbank-12-cask-strength-batch-24-54-1/

Needs 'navigation' :).

My first attempt at this batch. I found the Batch 23 much more harmonious in all areas, more extraordinary and equally suitable for Distillery character. Not bad but definitely not outstanding from the range of CS bottlings of the past. I think awarding 93 points here is a bit exaggerated. Online retailers are now asking for 180 € and more, which corresponds to gross profit margins for Dealers at 200% and even more. With special bottlings from Ardbeg and standards from Springbank, they all get greedy and line their pockets. It's pure madness! But people will pay that. Addendum 21.06.2023: A dealer in Germany is now asking €300.00 for the bottle, all clear. Update 16.07.23: 94 points from MiRy, really? Points are awarded inflatedly here...

Wriggleys juicy fruit with an alcoholic kick.

22 23 22 22 89 Another solid batch, powerful and tasty! Soulful Dram full of positivity, Beauty!

A very good example of a springbank 12!!

Earth, strawberries, orange oil, tobacco, foliage, malt, old paper, hazelnut, old leather, milk chocolate, white chocolate, salted nuts, creme brulee, whisper of smoke. Water reveals more fruits. Fabulous, as expected.

Nose: smoke, orange with zest, caramel, honey, cooked vanilla, trace of rancio with fruits on the grapes, the date; a little damp wood, finally leather Mouth: sweetness of cooked fruits, orange and cooked peach, dried apricot, sweet pepper, toasted caramel, a little almond shells roasted coffee, tobacco, malt, soaked dried fruits that return and cocoa paste Final: quite long with wood, caramel and dried fruits in addition to cooked vanilla; the peat is earthy, grassy.

Springbank and more, 18Nov2024: Kilkerran 8yo CS Sherry Matured (2024) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/248082/kilkerran-08-year-old 86+ Hazelburn 8yo Open Day 2024 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/254113/hazelburn-08-year-old 87+ Springbank 12yo CS#24 (2023) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88+ Springbank 12yo CS#25 (2024) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/255271/springbank-12-year-old 88- Springbank 15yo (21/110) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/192616/springbank-15-year-old 88+ Springbank 18yo (23/96) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/236915/springbank-18-year-old 89-

A little more umpf in it, nice dram, oiled, delicious

finally a new batch of the 12y cask strength version in first contact it can not live up with the high standard of the last 100% bourbon release which was superb still a wonderful dram for Campbeltown fans let's see how the bottle developes with some air *edit bottle gained a little with air, adding one point for nose and taste

Springbank is Springbank. A great example. Sweet with a slight saltiness, strong, spicy, well balanced. There is also tobacco for a pipe, and dried fruits in a sweet syrup with spices. Subtle notes of farm in combination with sweet-peat smoke is very tasty. Well chewy, pleasantly enveloping. Everything as it should be in a good single malt. 22.5-22.5-22.5-22.5 (90)

Sample tasting.

Orange, almonds, red fruits, spices, toffee, raisins, bit dirty, very decent

Excellent, very nice profile, a 12yo CS which perfectly meets what we have the right to expect from it. Alcohol on the line, watch out.

Mixed bag from the April back-log: Glengoyne 12yo OB CS https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/175/glengoyne-12-year-old 87- Springbank 12yo OB CS#12 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88- Springbank 11yo B2B - Dani https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/249020/springbank-barley-to-bottle-tour-2023 88+ Springbank 10yo OB 2013 PC https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/244838/springbank-10-year-old 88- Springbank 10yo OB 2012 PX https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/244836/springbank-10-year-old 87+ Hazelburn 16yo SS 2007 Port https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/239581/hazelburn-2007 88+ Hazelburn 8yo OB 2002 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/20898/hazelburn-2002 89-

A good Springbank, robust and powerful, elegant and refined, but with an acidic note that I'm not quite in love with. It's good, but I don't know if it justifies paying what they ask for it. It's very similar to the 10.

I tried a 5cl sample of this on two evenings before (thanks Slainte Mhath) and today I have the second half of it in my glass. I really liked this bottling the first time (88-89 points) and today I still think that this is a Springbank 12 CS as it should be (but only if it is under 100 euros per bottle). A great whisky, and this quality (between 88 and 89 points) was available for 60 euros when I first started drinking whisky in 2018. It was still fun back then because it's a great, simple, yet unique whisky. Good and as individual as a batch can be, this one is still.

Tasted at Whisky & Friends 2023 festival.

There was already 54.1% with a 12 CS, namely in Batch 12 from 2016. The barrel composition was 65% Sherry/35% Bourbon Casks, now almost exactly the opposite with 60% Bourbon/40% Sherry Casks. In fact, when I look back at my notes from April 2, 2016, I can remember this earlier batch quite well. Like Batch 12, Batch 24 does not have the “dirtyness” that you are used to from other batches. Yes, on the nose Batch 24 even seems a little tamed and slowed down, as if it wanted to move forward but couldn't. On the tongue it shows its usual qualities, and it doesn't give in on the finish either. All in all, another really good whisky, but only an average batch of 12 CS (lucky that the average here is high).

Typical Springbank DNA with subtle sherry in the background.

4*88

Very pleasant whisky with lots of sherry in the form of sweet fruit. Very sturdy body for a 12yo. However, the aftertaste is a bit too sharp and simple.

Malty, fruity, light peat, similar with official 10-year-old bottle but much more powerful. Quite drinkable and balanced.

Springbank Young and CS, 06Apr2024 Springbank Hand-filled https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/241458/springbank-hand-filled-distillery-exclusive 87+ Springbank 11yo LB 2011 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/223472/springbank-11-year-old 86+ Springbank 13yo LB 2010 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/244883/springbank-13-year-old 88- Springbank 12yo CS#24 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88- Springbank 12yo CS#19 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/138854/springbank-12-year-old 89-

I'm not an absolute fan of the 12y CS series, but I really like this batch again! Score confirmed again in December tasting

For all the hype, Springbank can poduce decent drams which have a dirty complexity and are simply enjoyable - although the prices are a little silly, it is clear that people do drink them and on trying this you can see why.

I didn't really like the nose, but the taste made up for the first impression. But it's not worth 100€+ to me. The 24 was better for my taste. Yes, Springbank and I just won't be real friends...

Campbeltown Mix, 01Apr2024 Kilkerran 8yo OB CS#10 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/248082/kilkerran-08-year-old#leave-a-review 87- Springbank 12yo OB CS#24 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88- Hazelburn 15yo OB 2008 Oloroso Cask Matured https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/243069/hazelburn-2008 88+

Always a guarantee. Sherry and Bourbon integrated very well.

A good classic Springbank profile at high strength.

Glenfarclas quintet: 2024.03.03. Glenfarclas 8yo https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/22391/glenfarclas-08-year-old 78- Glenfarclas 16yo 105 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/246885/glenfarclas-105 87- Glenfarclas TFC 2002 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/163368/glenfarclas-2002 88- Glenfarclas TFC 1992 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/96177/glenfarclas-1992 90- Glenfarclas 2003 Culinary https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/170227/glenfarclas-2003 90- Add-ons: Springbank 12yo CS#24 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88+

S 7 Not as dirty as other 12 CS and more distillate & bourbon cask forward, I like bourbon Springbank, but this feels a little immature. The palate is perfect but the nose falls short for me.

86.5

For me a rather weaker batch. Certainly still pretty good, as Springbank simply does delicious things. But with the current prices, I don't have to chase a bottle.

Strong Spirit Characters: 2023.10.30. (in order of my preference) Ardnamurchan 6yo PST 2015 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/213175/ardnamurchan-2015-pst 87- Kilkerran 8yo CS#8 bourbon https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/226523/kilkerran-08-year-old 87- Springbank 11yo LB 2011 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/223472/springbank-11-year-old 87+ Distilled in Sutherland 5yo PST (2022) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/221768/distilled-in-sutherland-05-year-old-pst 87+ Springbank 10yo OB 20/151 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/180670/springbank-10-year-old 88- Springbank 12yo CS#24 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88+ Springbank 5yo SS 2017 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/230465/springbank-2017 88+ Daftmill CS 2010 Facebook group https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/196457/daftmill-2010 88+ Springbank 12yo CS#19 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/138854/springbank-12-year-old 89-

aroma Sherry spice, nuts, plum, wood spice, tobacco, herbs The taste Sherry, wood spice, harmonious, spices, great Resonance Medium-long, sweet, slightly astringent, wood spice, herbs

Aroma with tones of wine, berries, spices and tobacco. Bright concentrated juicy taste with hints of red berries, spices and dark chocolate. Pleasant spicy aftertaste with berry and fruit notes.

A nice blend of the two cask types. Very drinkable at CS.

Anyone who, like me, spends a little more time looking into Scottish single malt whisky will inevitably come across the name Springbank at some point. The distillery in the former whisky capital of Campbeltown enjoys an almost sacrosanct status among connoisseurs. This is primarily due to its uncompromising philosophy: Springbank is one of the very few distilleries where 100% of the production process takes place on-site. From the traditional malting of the barley on their own floor maltings, through the slow fermentation in wooden washbacks, to bottling – everything here is done by hand. The 2.5-fold distillation gives the raw spirit its legendary character: oily, gritty, full of character, and imbued with the so-called "Campbeltown funk." The Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength is the annual, or sometimes semi-annual, highlight for lovers of unadulterated distillery character. Each batch brings subtle nuances and changes in the cask composition. The batch 24 I have here (bottled at 54.1% ABV) is based on a relatively classic foundation: a blend of 60% ex-bourbon and 40% ex-sherry casks. The magic of each batch at this distillery often begins long before cask maturation. At Springbank, the barley is kilned over peat smoke, which imparts a subtle yet distinctive smoky note to the distillate. Because the stills are heated directly with coal fires (and partly with internal steam coils), minimal, intentional scorching occurs during the distillation process. This interplay is precisely what creates the "dirty" distillery character – the oily soot, the damp earth, and that industrial-organic undertone that connoisseurs affectionately call "funk." Since the whisky is neither chill-filtered nor colored, the full spectrum of aromatic oils is usually preserved in the bottle. Whether this special texture is also present in Batch 24 was one of the questions we wanted to find out. Aroma: Well, what can one say? The nose is often a showpiece at Springbank, and this is no exception. It's surprisingly mild, yet simultaneously conveys a densely woven web of contrasts. On the one hand, there's an alluring, elegant sweetness and fruitiness: delicate notes of powdered sugar, dusty vanilla, and creamy rapeseed honey mingle with an exotic, fresh fruit component. Here, flashes of white peach, the fine acidity of greengages, zesty hot lemon, and a subtle lychee note emerge, elegantly underscored by ripe fig. On the other hand, Batch 24 never denies its maritime origins in Campbeltown: a light smoke and subtle soot run like a thread through the bouquet, underscored by roasted malt, damp earth, and the characteristic Springbank funk. A sea-salty breeze masterfully integrates the sweet and fruity components. Overall, an incredibly deep and exciting olfactory experience that simply invites you to linger. Fantastic. Taste: The first impression on the palate is surprising: despite its substantial 54.1% ABV, the whisky flows remarkably softly and smoothly over the tongue. There's absolutely no harshness from the alcohol. However, in direct comparison to the spectacular nose, the taste is somewhat less intense. Where the aroma delivered a veritable explosion of impressions, the palate is a bit more restrained and focused. Nevertheless, the craftsmanship shines through: a light smoke and delicate mineral notes mingle with a noticeable salinity, wonderfully reminiscent of salted caramel. The fruit notes shift slightly towards white grapes and, once again, that distinctive lychee. Underlying this is a foundation of roasted malt and the typical distillery funk, accompanied here by a hint of young leather. A light spiciness and a slightly acidic note lend the malt structure, even if it doesn't quite maintain the opulent complexity of the aroma on the palate. Finish: The finish is medium to long and, as hoped, noticeably benefits from the non-chill filtered texture of the malt: it coats the mouth with a pleasantly light, oily, and dry texture. The sweet components now transform from light honey to a darker, robust forest honey and ripe red grapes, presumably due to the 40% sherry cask content. At the same time, the batch reveals its earthy, rustic side in the aftertaste. Minerality and earthy smoke dominate the base, upon which crunchy nuts, dry cocoa powder, and the spicy oak from the 12 years spent in the wood unfold. A delicate orange zest, combined with a slightly bitter-sour note, brings a fresh, vibrant dynamic to the finish before the smoke slowly fades. Conclusion: The Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 24 is once again an excellent ambassador of traditional Scottish whisky making. Its greatest strength lies in its multifaceted, deep aroma, which perfectly demonstrates how wonderfully the balance of 60% bourbon and 40% sherry maturation harmonizes with the funky, smoky, and maritime distillate. On the palate, it loses a touch of the initial drive compared to the nose, but compensates with a superbly smooth texture before skillfully concluding with a spicy, earthy, and dry finish. A wonderfully honest, expertly crafted dram that beautifully captures the magic of Campbeltown. Whether one wants to participate in the Springbank hype and spend up to €160 on it is ultimately a decision everyone must make for themselves.

Springbank Recommended Retail Price: 80€

Great sweet Whisky!

Random ensemble: 10Oct2023 Unnamed Orkney 14yo SV 2006 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/171490/unnamed-orkney-2006-sv 86- Kilkerran 8yo OB CS Bourbon Cask Matured (2022) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/226523/kilkerran-08-year-old 87+ Kilkerran 8yo OB CS Sherry Cask Matured (2023) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/226522/kilkerran-08-year-old 85+ Springbank 12yo OB CS #24 (2023) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/232398/springbank-12-year-old 88- Hazelburn 12yoOB 2010 Oloroso Cask Matured (2023) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/219488/hazelburn-2010 89- Glenlivet 12yo DD 2007 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/139283/glenlivet-2007-dd 89+

Amber in color. Oily whisky.

Yes, it's always a great Springbank. A great play of sweet, salty and sherry notes and a bit of smoke at the end. I gave it blindly, yes, I was excited about it even without knowing what brand it was. But due to the pricing and inaccessibility of the model, I give one point less...

how many reviews can one person be allowed to make??? mods - where are ye??

...the individual batches differ greatly in their composition - but they all seem to be consistently bottled at a very high level - very, very good! [Color] = already amber;

Nose Farmyard, cow paddock, tobacco, black liquorice, tar, honey and fruits are hiding but I reckon they are there somewhere, mixed lollies Palate Thick, dirty, farmy, salty, some oranges, lemon zest, lemon peel, zesty olive oil, anise Finish Dry, salty with some manzanilla characteristics Wild, complex and weird ride. But real good!