Springbank 10 y.o. 
46% abv
Score: 87/100
Holy hell, this is a monster. An absolute old school powerhouse of malt that I think may still be fermenting on the way down. This whisky is deep enough to explore for hours. Cavernous and complex, it serves up a veritable feast of scents and flavors. I would strongly recommend taking your time here and slowly becoming acquainted with this young Springbank.
The nose on this dram is freakin’ enormous. Right off there is a sour malt punch backed up by a smoky peat cloud. Then the mishmash of scents start coming from all angles here. There is a salty meatiness, game-y really, that is met with pungent spice and maybe something like smoked fish. A sharp attack from somewhere that seems sort of citric…but not. (Sorry!?!)
The tongue gets a working over too. Malt, malt and more malt are delivered in waves. It is salty, peppery and drying. The oily viscosity of this malt helps it linger for hours. When I finally got my head wrapped ’round the enormity of this Cambeltown gem…I was completely surprised to find I was left with hints of gentle oak, juicy fruits (citric…rinds and pith) and…less surprising…smoky malted barley.
This is a whisky of backbone and character. Absolutely amazing and unique.
– Reviewed by: Curt
– Photo: Curt
All Things Whisky 
Very nice whisky. I was suprised by this one. Great nose and very good palate. A little pricey compared to other 10-12 yo scotches, but worth having to occasionally enjoy.
Agree completely with your review. This is a monster that deserves lots of your time. I believe it is well worth the premium over other similarly aged malts.
I agree, but if I only have $60 for a 12, I’m buying Laga 12. Now there is a monster! I agree with Whisky Bitch, that is a great whisky. But Springbank is worth having. Very interesting!
Certainly an education, I found the 10 much easier to respect than it was to like. It’s both round and maritime, but in a unique way, and experience with other profiles was an offputting disadvantage because this whisky definitely has its own agenda. It zigs when you expect it to zag. There’s an indifferent mature complexity that demands acceptance on its own terms and fully justifies Campbeltown as a separate style. The nose is a standout, and I’d agree with Curt and Allen than it’s a whisky to be studied over time.
To me, drinking this whisky is like reading Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”. Initially appears ordinary, but once started, is found to be very dense and complex. Not something for fun, but when you want to be challenged. Therefore, for me, not a daily dram. But well worth occasional visits. However, I might get a new bottle to see if it has changed over time.
Heart of Darkness fits perfectly – brooding, not an easy story, intentionally not told simply or with clarity, dense subjective complexity. Challenging is a very good way to put it. Something to come back to, just to see how much it’s changed, or maybe how much you have, and to see if you can tell the difference. Sláinte!
Enjoyed these comments. As usual, I have to thank Curt for his particular recommendation on the Springbank 10 – back in March.
Initially it was not a “go to” whisky for me. Now down to the last half I cannot wait to get back for my nightly dram. Maybe it’s like complex music that you don’t “get” initially but you know it’s good – after time you forget about the challenge and just soak it in -> love it.
As for price, I realize that the Springbank is $10 more than Highland Park 12, but I say it has it all over the HP in rich goodness.
As for my next, it has to be the 18… saving a boat load of pennies.
Consider the 12 yo cask strength. Pretty robust