Springbank 21yo (46%, OB, Late 1990’s bottling, tall bottle with ‘ruffled label’)

This was being kept for a future tasting, however the cork was failing and the neck level was starting to fall. There was only one option; open it and share with friends, quickly! The nose is beautiful, dark dried fruits, sweetness, hints of leather and clove followed by hints of old musical instruments, raisins. This is really nice.  It’s not overly complicated but what there is of it is sensational. The taste is warming, sweet, sherried followed the fruit and then the dry oakiness and the wood spice plus hints of cocoa, leather and cured but unlit tobacco. Wood working shop, shavings and Oolong tea. The finish is warming dry and filled with head swirling aromas. Then a brilliant moment of the sweetness and more of the bourbon like perfection. If memory serves this is much like the old bottling of Aberlour 1976 from a bourbon cask. If memory is not correct it’s still brilliant either way. This sample was not spit out but swallowed with gusto even though it’s yet noon. To do other wise would be unthinkable.

Score 92 points

£299 at the Whisky Exchange