Springbank: Campbeltown Loch 21 Year (Scottish Blended Campbeltown Whisky: 21 Years: 46% ABV)
Visual: Light yellow to grain.
Viscosity: Very slow thick streaks.
Nose: Clear lemon and heather. Vanilla. Husked grain. Water brings out a grassy character.
Body: Smooth. Spritzer undertone. Grassy. Some fire. Toffee. Water soothes the fire, adds custard sweetness, more grass and heather. Light smoke.
Finish: Warming and oaken. Malt drink touch. grassy. Fudge. Water builds fudge up, adds light rocks and light meat broth. Kaffir lime. Slight sprizty touch.
Conclusion: You know, I try to be an open minded fellow – I really do. I would even like to think I do ok at it – but it some ways I am old fashioned. For example I am generally a single malt guy. I have enjoyed vatted malts, blended whisky and single grain – but my go to is single malt. So I was interested, if a tad wary at a mix of single malt and single grain.
Now first impressions didn’t help here – it opened smooth, but quickly became fiery and the finish was mainly oaken. Of course, grain’s best friend is water, and so I held back final decision until I could add water.
It turns out they are still best buds.
Water really brings out the grassy Springbank character backed here by a smoother toffee and vanilla character than most Campbeltowns – which, based on experience, may be the influence of the Girvan Single Grain. With a bit more water you even get some smoke and a meaty broth character in the finish – which is why I guess it was Springbank used – the slightly peated malt I’m thinking.
Here, with the water, it is like a smoother and sweeter Springbank 10, which is the closest comparison. It benefits from light citrus notes added top and tail, very light as the main character is very recognize grassy Springbank.
As a single malt fan I will say I prefer the Springbank 15, but this is a very nice balance between the strengths of both grain and malt, with the sweetness making it more easy drinking than usual. So on personal preference I go with the 15, but is down to just that, the personal preference. They are both very proficient expressions.
Background: Saw this at Brewdog Bristol and was intrigued. It is a mix of 60% Single Malt (I presume Springbank) and 40% Single Grain (Girvan). At 21 years it is a very interesting expression. So, as an utter Springbank nut, I of course gave it a go. Thanks to the staff who helped out with the info on this one when I asked.
