I enjoyed the NAS Longrow and Springbank 10 a lot, and had seen reviews of the 18 that got me very eager to try it. When I found a bottle online when I was placing an order it was a no brainer. This was one of the bottles that took a lot of self-control to not open right away and keep my collection of open bottles manageable.
Minutia: Matured for 18 years, this batch bottled in 2018 comprised of 60% ex-Sherry casks and 40% ex-Bourbon casks. Stamped on the bottle are 23/03/18 and 18/141. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.
Color: Tawny, 1.4.
Nose: Light, sweet smoke. Caramel/brown sugar. Pebbles.
Taste: Salt, smoke, cinnamon, Campbeltown malt. Tropical fruit, namely kiwi.
Finish: Long. Salty, funkish smoke (less so than other Campbeltowns I’ve had). It's more like the palate got smoked.
This did not disappoint, even with high expectations. I tried this not too long after Ardbeg Alligator which kind of floored me. This made just about if not the same first impression on me. Right away there’s a delightful smokiness and all the other elements compliment that very well. I’ll be hanging onto this for a while, probably saving it mostly to share a dram with others who really enjoy whisky. The difference between this and other expressions from Springbank is much wider than the difference in price. This is well worth the premium for the significant age statement. I have become quite the fan of Campbeltown lately, and while I still love Islays, malts from there have really allowed me to appreciate a wider range of aromas and flavors in whiskies.
Score: 94
Musical Evocation: Draconian – “Stellar Tombs”
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