SPRINGBANK 1999 10 YEAR OLD 'GODFATHER' PRIVATE CASK
CAMPBELTOWN SINGLE MALT

Distilled: 24/09/1999

Bottled: 2010

Bottle Number: 102 / 111

50.7% ABV / 70cl

"It only takes a single sniff of this dark copper coloured liquid to know you’re dealing with something special. Distilled in 1999, and bottled in 2010, its aroma is distinctly “old school” when compared with Springbank’s more recent releases, boasting an earthy smokiness that’s verging on Longrow territory. Despite the obvious heavy sherry influence, the distillery’s signature savoury character still asserts itself, shining through the rich dried fruit notes imparted by the cask.

The first sip confirms everything the nose suggests; this is a superbly well-balanced drop. As you’d expect, the rich fruitcake flavours are all present and correct, and there’s a suggestion of figs and strawberry jam too. It’s sweet, but not cloying, with a wonderfully resinous mouthfeel. The peat isn’t overtly in-your-face either, rather manifesting as a pleasing earthy tobacco note. At fifty-odd percent ABV, this is a remarkably easy drinking whisky, with a long finish you’ll want to savour.

With distilleries more and more eschewing this style of sherry cask maturation in favour of finishes it feels like this wonderful dram is a relic from a bygone era, and an example of a style that’s loss will be increasingly lamented as time passes. I wholeheartedly recommend doing your tastebuds a favour and snapping up a bottle (or two) of this liquid treasure while you still can."

Ewan Thomson - McTear's Whisky Specialist