Springbank 10 year Amontillado Cask 750ml

Springbank is still working its way through the Springbank Sherry series. These whiskies matured in bourbon cask and then moved to different styles of sherry casks (skipping the obivous Oloroso). Theyre launching them in order of weight, starting with Pedro Ximnez (which needs less time to leave a mark), followed by Palo Cortado.

The third release is the Amontillado version. Allow me to refresh your memory: Amontillado is a kind of over-aged Fino sherry, influenced by a period of biological ageing (under flor) as well as oxidative ageing (with air contact, much like an Oloroso).

A mild farmy touch up front (dirty sheep wool, hay and rubber boots) along with almonds and honey. Then tobacco leaves, leather, walnuts and stewed apples. Whiffs of diesel. Oranges come forward, with subtle hints of golden raisins and hazelnuts. Sourish hints of grilled lemon.

The oranges now become bitter, along with lemon peels, gradually moving towards pineapple sourness. Plenty of coastal elements. Slightly astringent, in a suitable way. Then more (pipe) tobacco, wet earth and moss, sour butter and peppery notes. Quite dry, leathery and leafy, with ashes and some coastal notes in the background. Medium long, now combining lemons and salt, with coal ashes, pepper and subtle wood.