Well just in case you needed another reason to like Springbank, it’s worth noting this is also the first 12yo cask strength release to ship without a cardboard box. The box having been dropped as part of Springbank’s attempts to be more environmentally friendly, a clear nod to how progressive the distillery is. The latest release was matured in 100% ex-bourbon casks then bottled at the natural cask strength of 55.9% ABV. This is a departure from previous releases over the last few years as these have had a good proportion of sherry casks included in the mix, and occasionally some port casks.
 
Nose: Whispers of peach and ripe apple, as well as a touch of mush banana, but also whiffs of brine, ozone and some gentle earthy peat smoke. There’s some burlap and beeswax here too, followed by a whiff of pickled lemons.
Taste: Proper oily arrival with a nice salinity and whispers of peat, combined with honey, orange peel and peach as well. Maybe even a tinge of pink grapefruit. A good amount of apple too, but also hemp rope, some draff, white pepper and chalk.
Finish: Long with heather, vanilla, tinned peach and earthy peat.