SMWS 27.113 Springbank 26 1993 “What a song and dance”

This is something I never expected to try, let alone own. A rare distillery for the SMWS these days, of course a Springbank would command a tremendous price, particularly for its age, and be way too in demand if priced competitively. But I had recently started work on a master’s program and asked my mother if she’d be comfortable with this being an eventual graduation gift I buy now since it wouldn’t be available by the time I’d graduate. She agreed and we worked out that I’d pay for it, but she’d keep it and give me the bottle with reimbursement upon graduation. Basically, it set it up so she wasn’t on the hook if I stopped pursuing the degree for whatever reason. 

But about midway through the program I realized I didn’t want something that would eventually be gone and I’d feel bad about enjoying properly, so I explained that to her and asked for a pipe instead so I could have it and enjoy it without pause until the day I die. And since I’d technically already paid for this, ownership transferred to me and I figured it should still somewhat serve its initial purpose. I decided I’d open it upon my diploma officially being conferred to me, which I was fortunate enough to be able to share with my family on that day. A few weeks later, I poured myself another dram to review.

Springbank 26, 1993 Vintage, Scotch Malt Whisky Society 27.113, Campbeltown Single Malt, 50.6% ABV

Minutia: Distilled on April 23, 1993 and matured in refill ex-bourbon hogshead for 26 years yielding 179 bottles. This is part of the Old & Dignified flavor profile named “What a song and dance”. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.

Color: Amontillado Sherry; 0.9.

Nose: Industrial, malt, anise. Pineapple.

Taste: Sweet, fruity explosion. So juicy. Slight heat comes in.

Finish: Super sweet, classic Springbank/Longrow sense with a tropical feel to it.

Wow, what a cask. I’m very glad a bottle which is special to me punches this well. I was not expecting that fruity burst to be quite as bursty as it was, and I’m glad it was.

Score: 90

Musical Evocation: Black Swan – “When the Angels of Twilight Dance”