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Springbank Claret Wood

You say "Claret," I say "Bordeaux"

1 290

RReview by @Rigmorole

9th Oct 2013

0

Springbank Claret Wood
  • Nose
    ~
  • Taste
    ~
  • Finish
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  • Balance
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  • Overall
    90

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

Rich scent steeped in creme fraiche, Longrow-ish caramel, mouse pelts, honey dew melon, along with a waft of sea air; In the mouth, a hint of smoke, along with clover, iron pan-roasted anaheim chile, cognac, leather, old books; finish is long and satisfying with more of the same, turning up into a sweet note at the end.

A few drops of water improve my dram, cutting the alcohol and livening up the spices and sweets. Be this as it may, the pepper, sea air, and smoke dissipate with water, at least in my opinion.

A third maturation after the Bordeaux casks to calm the wine influence was a smart move in the aging process of this whisky. I would like to see more distilleries move in that direction. Very craft oriented offering from Springbank. The price was fair, as well. I was impressed that Springbank didn't get greedy on this offering. Well done! Keep the whisky within reach of middle income connosrs, is what I say! I am a college professor and I dearly love my dram of good scotch in early fall evenings next to the fire, along with a good book.

Question: Does anyone out there know of a Campbeltown malt that evokes some of the "farmy" qualities of older Broras? Hazelburn 12? What do you think?

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2 comments

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

This is a favourite of mine. It took me a year after opening to start liking it, and it's continued to please for the next year and a half. Sadly, only one dram left...

11 years ago 0

R
Rigmorole commented

The "mouse pelts" reference gave me pause for thought before actually listing it in my review. I have smelled field mice in my father's barn before and the similarity was noticeable.

I am always interested to hear unorthodox references in reviews. I think many reviewers find it distasteful but I like to be as honest to my taste buds and nose as possible, no matter what. If I were a critic who needed to schmooze or curry favor from readers/distillers, I would not do so, of course. But I'm simply a fellow in my mid-40's with a passion for delicious scotch, so I can get away with it ;)

11 years ago 2Who liked this?