And yes still in my Campbeltown bubble, it never ends. 😉 But I really don’t mind, hopefully, you don’t either. Today I will be reviewing the Springbank 17 year old Madeira Wood. Which, like the Hazelburn 13 Oloroso sherry cask I reviewed last week, is a new release, but not widely available yet (well at least not here in the Netherlands). However, in the places where it was already available, it was sold out in no time. But that’s how it goes with these Springbank releases.
This Madeira Wood was one of the samples in the tasting pack of the Springbank Virtual Open Day, which also included that fantastic festival bottling. Which I regretted not having bought. This 17 year old Springbank wasn’t even the best at the time, but I certainly liked it back then. Last week I tasted it again and this is how I think about it now.
This Springbank has matured in rum and bourbon casks, before being finished in Madeira casks for 3 years. Bottled at a strength of 47.8% ABV.
Springbank 17 year old Madeira Wood tasting notes:
Nose: red apples and a hint of red berries and lemons. This is quickly followed by strawberry jam. That typical Springbank farmyard smell and a hint of diesel oil. Then it goes towards honey and sweet raisins. It’s slightly peaty. Ginger too. A bittersweet caramel. An earthy note in the background, from chestnut mushrooms. And some mint in the background.
Taste: plenty of strawberries and honey. Creme brulee. A hint of rum raisins and cherries. A bunch of spices, mainly crushed black crushed pepper and a touch of ginger. Somewhat salty too. Then it goes towards a hint of burned wood and it’s slightly waxy.
Finish: mid-long to long with strawberries and honey. Black pepper, a touch of oak and smoke.
Really good. A nice collaboration between the rum and bourbon casks and the finish of Madeira Wood.
Photo credit: Whiskybase
