Nope. Everyone is feeling the Springbank pain; very difficult to get even here in Scotland/UK. Still, their success is hopefully a beacon for other distilleries to keep up or improve the natural elements of their presentation. Huge congrats on 100 videos this year, very prolific but mostly the congrats for keeping an eye on quality. Although I'm gonna stop my wife from drinking my Springbank, hairy chests ain't my bag.
Agree! Luckily I do think the industry has picked up a thing or two from successes like Springbank. Most new/modern distilleries are taking on the craft approach, which is nice to see! I do hope Springbank takes action here. I think much of the onus falls on the brand itself. I hope that with the massive increase in demand they put some money into expanding their craft operations. As it stands they've let the supply/demand ratio get way out of whack. I realize it might be years before this is corrected, but I do hope measures are being taken!
Congrats on 100 videos. Well deserved. I basically hit the play-all on all your videos while working the other day. The compact and to the point style is really appealing. Keep it up! Agree about the Springbank. It's the only style that I know beginners never like. I know people who liked Laphroaig from day one and also people who liked the Aberlour A'bunadh from day one. But the Campbeltown style seems to genuinely take time to get used to and when you get past that - it's unreal!
Really appreciate the kind words, Phil. I've been watching.g your stuff for a while now too. Big fan! Agree, SB is the whisky world's “acquired taste” brand.
Just received my first bottle of this after waiting 18 months. WOW this is truly something special. I also have the Killkerrin 12 which is very very similar. Hard picked to pick between these 2. They are both exceptional. Heavy barley influence which I love and the oily texture is divine. Man this is heaven. Fortunately I have both of them now but would happily buy more if I could. Campbelltown is definitely my favourite region. Not for everyone, but for me it is perfection.
Also, would be interested to see a review of some Bruichladdich, either The Classic Laddie or my favourite peated Islay, Port Charlotte 10. Do you do requests, Geoff? 🤣
Geoff, congratulations on 💯! You wasted no time, it’s very impressive how quickly you put through 100 top quality videos. It’s always fun seeing how much you enjoy a bottle I too am so fond. Here’s to another 100!
I finally got to try Springbank 10 today. It did not disappoint. At all. The weird thing to me was that it didn't wow me, but it was just so nuanced, pleasant, balanced and boasting loads of character and just the right amount of funk. It made me nod, sigh and smile in appreciation. It's just lovely. The wildest thing it's done for me was that I thought: "It's so good that I need to raise the rating of other whiskies, because it's great but not too far removed from whiskies I've scored high". My first impression of it would have me rate it a 90.
Awesome! It's a hell of a whisky! I'm glad it wasn't "oversold" to you. Some whiskies get built up too much and the experience can't live up to the anticipations. And then there's Springbank!
Just opened my bottle and I'm trying it for the first time. Fantastic whisky! That farmy element is what stands out the most for me... I may be off but that reminds me of the Glen Garioch 12. Except the Springbank 10 is so much more. Delicious stuff and very engaging.
Congrats on making it to 100! I have a bottle of this in my stash, but not opened it yet. Looking forward to it though as I've really enjoyed the other Campbeltown whiskies I've tried so far (Glen Scotia DC and 15, plus Kilkerran 12). I was able to get it for a reasonable price in the UK, but I agree that availability is patchy and prices are creeping up. I also have a bottle of Longrow Peated and Hazelburn 10 unopened in the stash, so I can get the full Springbank experience! 😊
I think if you get on well with Scotia and Kilkerran you'll find plenty to enjoy with the Springbank 10. It's the “OG.” I prefer this to Hazelburn and Longrow, but all three are really good!
@@Gwhisky Got round to opening this last month. Love it! Really well integrated flavour profile for a 10yo, with great arrival and lovely, juicy mouthfeel. Thought I might find it more challenging, but it was surprisingly approachable.
Nice review Geoff and congrats on your 100th review, always appreciate your honest and comprehensive insights. Springbank is my favourite distillery and you’ve captured the key elements of the 10 nicely. As you say it’s not a beginners whisky but once you’re hooked you’re hooked. Unfortunately it’s getting harder to track down, especially the more limited and special releases and in some markets the price has risen steeply, I hate to think what the Springbank Local Barley releases cost in your market!
I've never seen the Local Barley here, but I'd probably have to sacrifice my first-born child for it! Thanks for the kind words and the viewership Lang!
Congratulations, Geoff! Very nice review :) Springbank 10 is by all means fit for the occasion. Last year I managed to snatch a couple of 2019 bottles, one of which is slowly but surely going down. Paid 55 euros per bottle which I reckon is a little too much, but I've never seen it on our market since then. There is no official importer of Springbank for Bulgaria and those bottles were from the two cases that one of the better online retailers had managed to stock through their private contacts. Absolutely love the juice. My score for it is 91 and it is up there with Edradour 12 Caledonia. Your notes about the floral flavors are spot-on. Funnily enough I find Springbank 10 to be nothing of the rugged, tough whisky it is said to be. I find it very elegant and full of subtleties :) The funky, briny notes, the saltiness, the peat smoke and the fruity, floral, perfumy moments complement each other beautifully. The first couple of drams after opening the bottle had kinda short finish but with a little time the whisky has developed marvelously. I'd take Springbank 10 over any of the hyped, indistinguishable, Coca-Cola colored sherry bombs the market is flooded with nowadays. Cheers!
55 Euros is a lot for a 10 year old, but it's one that's thoroughly enjoyable. I had a similar issue with the finish with this bottle when I first popped it, but luckily it's opened up beautifully. About being rugged... I don't think it is now. It definitely does have an elegant side. But I remember how this tasted to my inexperienced palate 12 yrs ago. The rubbery and peaty flavours did taste rugged to me at the time, and I think that might be how a lot of other newcomers might experience it.
You are so good! I went to Scotland late August 2019 all Speyside and Glenlivet, Macallan and on day 3 the guys at the Balmoral Hotel were putting on a tasting for us and they brought in Springbank 10yr and I was amazed! No sherry and yet awesome. I'm a sommelier since 1996 so I know aroma and taste but this?! It was fabulous and it left the others ???? You put it so well. Excellent review. The greatest 10yr. I left Scotland all Campbeltown and Glendronach. Yet to find Islay but that's another story. Love you guy. Keep em coming
@@Gwhisky obviously, life changing. From Speyside low ABV chillfiltered to Springbank, Glendronach and now over 2yrs after the trip CS Islay Peated! Been a whale of a journey and still so much to learn, smell and taste! I love it all.
I’m in the U.K. and have struggled to buy this. Only tried it once in a bar and loved it. I visited a local whisky shop today and they had a few Springbank 10s on the shelf. Picked 2 bottles up and can’t wait to crack one open tonight!
Congratulations on the century Geoff! And what a fitting review for the occasion! Got my last bottle online for 86$ a few months ago. Still affordable and worth the money for the quality you get. But definitely not on shelves in the tri-state area. I think this is one of the bottles we all need to stockpile while it is still within our budget. Cheers!
Congrats on the 100 and a great review. I had expected to replace my fast dwindling bottle of the 10 with the 12, but I havent been able to find it anywhere when it was everywhere here this time last year.
Well done! Here's to the next one hundred. Springbank is definitely hard to find; my local specialist shop has none. But I did manage to snap up their last bottle of Hazelburn 10 so I have to be content with that. I suppose because of their rarity, I haven't opened this one yet ....
Hi Geoff ..not sure what availability will be like in your part of the world or if you’ve already come across this , but I just picked up a Glenturret 12 ( the relaunched square shape bottle ) and wow , this stuff is pretty damn interesting sherried with lovely spicy vibes , really enjoying it and based on your love of whiskies with some umph…just though it might float your boat for a future review , keep em coming mate , your doing a fantastic job ..Love the site 👍🥃
I've heard some interesting things about the new Glenturret line. Unfortunately it hasn't made its way to Taiwan yet. I'll jump on it when it does, though. I'm intrigued by that one! Thanks for all the lovely comments you leave here, Allan. It's truly appreciated. 🙏
Congratulations on your 100th episode!!! One of my favorite whisky channels out there!!! On the other hand, Springbank is imposible to get in my market (latinamerica) so it is one of the brands i'm looking forward the most to try, but it is sad its availability and prices are almost out of reach. Cheers!!!
Congrats on your 100th review!! Where I live, you now have to participate in an online lottery to be able to buy springbank, longrow or hazelburn products (and of course, there is a limit of 1 or 2 bottles by customer).
Congratulations! Springbank 12 &10 are easily my favorite bottles, I finally found a bottle of longrow 10 last night and love it as well! Didn’t love the 140 dollars I paid tho…
Congratulations on the 100 reviews. Think I've watched most of them. You deserve 10,000 subscribers by now but I'm sure you'll get there in the end. As for the Springbank, great stuff but like most Campbeltown stuff in the UK, getting very hard to track down these days. I think half the problem over here, especially for the Springbank and Kilkerran cask strength releases, is that they're almost too cheap at RRP so they're just getting snapped up instantly, presumably with an eye on re-sale in some cases.
Thanks Sam! 10k is a bit ambitious for an 8 month old channel, so I'll have to settle for 1k... for now. 😉 Yeah a lot of these comments seem to carry the same tune as yours. Harder to find, more expensive. I love the distillery but I feel like the brand itself should carry some responsibility for letting the supply/demand ratio get so far out of whack. Really sad to see Springbank slowly slip out of reach for casual whisky drinkers.
Congrats on 100! You’re doing an amazing job, and really helpful for everyone on a scotch journey. Question, since I think it’s coming to this…. Would you rather the price of Springbank increases with demand OR the price stays affordable but it becomes as hard to find as many limited allocation bourbons? Depressing choice, I know.
Option three. I'd rather SB ramps up their production (while keeping it hands-on and craft) so that supply can meet demand. Nobody talks about how some of the onus here falls on the brand. I do hope they're expanding or taking measures to fix the current situation.
@@Gwhisky that’d be ideal. Maybe a modified version of this is that other big name distillers recognize and emulate the craft presentations of distilleries like Springbank, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, and others doing things the right way. Then a Springbank CS 12 showing up on my local store’s shelf wouldn’t cause a stampede!
Springbank is so praised, but for that vinegar note... i just can't...😅😅 As your review on Benromach, that's a cheaper but still quality alternative for SB due to similar flavor profile, totally agreed. Sour/vinegar note on Benromach is not that intense which I can enjoy very much. Congrats! Really like all you have done! Even though there are tons of whisky reviews online, your modern style is still shining through! Sprightly rhythm and friendly!
Huge congrats on hitting 100! Well deserved my friend. U seem to have a more international viewership than most so curious if u know what the spread is?
The spread? As in how widely available SB is in different markets? Like most English channels my viewers are mostly Americans, Canadians, British, and Australians, with a smattering of European and Asian viewers. International enough, but no more than any others, I suspect.
@@Gwhisky sounds like a nightmare, sorry to hear. Just paid 80€ for a bottle this week… if there’s an affordable and legit way to ship out to Tawain from mainland EU, I’ll gladly help out.
Hah that's very kind of you, but I've got loads of reviews scheduled as it is and I'd rather not burden you or anyone else with the hassle of shipping bottles to the other side of the world. The offer is genuinely appreciated, though!
This shop was quite exceptional: multiple SB10s and 15s and also (older) PC10s in the tubes, a massive range of Signatory and other IBs… ….I’m sure I’ll be back there again 😁
100th review! I scored one of these for a decent price and before I turned into a "collector" found another one for about $60. I was looking for something else and passed. Not sure how old it was. Mine was probably on the shelf for a few years collecting dust. I enjoy pouring this next to the Hazelburn 10. I find both to be more mellow than you're talking about. I look for the hidden peat and if there's a difference in 3x distillation. I find them to be "citrus bombs" and the SB10 is a wee bit more complex. Now I see the SB10 for $90 and that's not going to happen for a backup bottle anytime soon. Insane to think "only a $35 jump to the SB12 is a great deal" With all the hype around SB Local Barley it seems that the only thing they don't do in-house is grow/malt 100%. So if they're buying barley like many other distilleries it's very impressive that they can make such a distinctive product. I've been exploring the NAS Longrow recently. There's so much going on in that glass, it's really entertaining but in the dry glass the ash is way stronger than the peat the night before when the taste is strong and balanced. My SB10 has almost no peat.
It's not especially rugged for ppl who've been into whisky for a while. There are some distinctive rubbery notes and peat in here that I think would come off rugged for a beginner. I've never seen the local Barley eleaae, and I doubt I'll ever get the chance to try it, unfortunately. $60 for this is a fair price. That's about what it costs here (used to be $47). $90 is entirely too much. Longrow is nice, but if memory serves its my least favourite of the three SB brands. That's one I should revisit soon!
I was finally able to find some Springbank during my trip to California. I bought two 10 years to bring back, but I'm on the fence about the 15 year. What are your thoughts about the Springbank 15 compared to Glendronach 15. I do love briny and peaty Scotchs as well as sherry aged ones too. I can get it at MSRP so it's real tempting.
@@Gwhisky well I went back the next day to buy it and it was gone. Oh well..at least I was finally able to get a couple Springbank 10s to add to my Scotch collection. I picked up a Henry Mckenna 10 year bourbon since they had some in stock and those are hard to find in Texas.
@Gwhisky. How would you compare this to the Ledaig 10? You and Ralfy led me to to getting the Ledaig 10 and I really like it. The Springbank 10 is about the same price in my area but hard to come by.
Definitely true that it’s getting expensive in Australia, you receive the emails from the retailers on the allocation & 5 to 8 minutes later it’s all sold out regardless the expression or the online store crashes. It’s crazy!!! Luckily I was able to secure a the 12yoCS 2021 & the Longrow Malbec finish.
If you don't like this uisce.. Stick with rock shandy.. Thankfully its competitively priced here in "rip off Ireland" alongside plenty other Scotch 10s n 12s. Salutations to the Scottish distilleries by and large.. Lost without em. There always seems to be something for everyone in the audience.. Keepin us imbibers innarested on on our toes. Congrats on the 100 our Geoff.. Nice to see Roy "Aquavitae" lending an ear n support/appreciation for your enthusiasm/endeavours. Well done "G Man" on a mission..
Waited so long for this that i paid $250 aud. But im glad i did. Smell of the cork was highly promising. Will take my time with this one....peobably wont fork out again for it so aim to keep it a while 😅
So I found this online for 75 euro where I live...Im not exactly sure about the website but I ordered it. Lets see if it arrives 🤞🤞 ( if it does...thats a hell of a score )
Well. My fondness for Springbank 10 just might explain the thick, developing pelt that threatens to make regular clothing somewhat... superfluous. ;) Spot-on review! Anyone that genuinely appreciates this whisky should also try Clynelish 14.
Geoff, SB is still relatively easy to track down in Taiwan. One of the local chain liquor stores, Drinks, is promoting a SB10 gift box with two glasses for NT1600 or US57 and the 15 at NT3300 or US120.
There's often a pretty big disconnect in Taiwan between what's on the website and what's actually in stock. The 10 is still available, but in far fewer locations. Still cheap by international standards, but about $10-$15 more than it used to be. The 15 is nowhere to be found in most shops, even those that might advertise it on the website. I haven't seen a bottle in months (and I visit a lot of whisky shops, obviously 😉). It used to cost NT2600, so that one's shot up in price as well. Again, reasonable by international standards, but pricey for here. I often talk about how Taiwan is one of the cheapest whisky markets in the world, so everything in its context. The 12 is the wild card. Basically impossible to find and massively more expensive. Regardless, SB prices have gone up across the board.
@@j.g.6601 I recently found a shop that carries the 15, and as you mentioned the 10 isn't hard to find, just less common. The 12 is of interest. I'm mostly curious about the prices, though.
@@Gwhisky The new 12 is NTD4300 - expensive, but truly rare. If you haven't been, I highly recommend a visit to the whisky boutique at the Kuva Hotel in Zhongli. It has one of the largest selections of premium whiskies in Asia.
I just got one for €64,95 (not a bad price imo). The shop owner was even complaining about having‘too many SB10s’ on the shelf! 😮 I told her this is absolutely no problem for me and I can come by more often😂
I was a fan until I was priced out of the market. They have 4 ages of Springbank in my local store and they are price gouging the hell out of it. Just outrageous prices.I always though it smelled like apples roasting on an open wood fire.
$100 a bottle now in the Chicago area. No thanks! The 12 cask strength is $120. I recently found sound some Kilkerran 12 for $70. So that'll be my Campbeltown go to for now.
I can usually find a 10 or 15 yr old , (for now) maybe rarely the 18, but pricey as hell. The 12 is a super rare one that I was lucky to find once and bought 2 bottles. I loved the 12, but the 10 puzzled me. I couldn’t see what all the hoopla was about. None the less I gassed it at about half the bottle two years ago for another time. It was an older bottling too, @ 2012. It’s not being new to whisky. You still have to like the flavor. I’ve had @ 150 different types of scotch. I’ve had a plethora of peated scotches, cask strength bottles, challenging flavors like Rye bourbons, Corn, Single grain, Many different Rums, etc. I loved the 12, however, this 10 yr old, I can drink it , but aside from being unique, it’s just not imo a great tasting dram. 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe once I open it again I’ll have a better appreciation for it?
Of course some whiskies don't resonate with certain people and never will. And there is this concensus in the whisky wold where Springbank is Jesus juice and everyone should agree. Obviously that's not the case. My point was coming from a more personal perspective (one that I've also heard from many other springbank fans), which is that it's an acquired taste. I didn't love this at first and only began to appreciate it over time. I'll agree that the 12 is better, but I think they both have their strengths. Sadly the 12 is impossible to find and crazy expensive here. Thanks for commenting Salty!
@@Gwhisky thanks for the response Geoff. Yeah I didn’t mean to bash Springbank. There’s some bottles that just never meet expectations. For me Old Pulteney 17 for example. I bought 3 bottles based on an overwhelming consensus about how great it was. Even Ralfy. I thought it was good but didn’t meet the hype. Maybe you could do a video on some of these bottles that fell short of expectations? Just a thought. Keep up the good work.
Congrats on the 100th video, impressive! Springbank 10 is probably one of the best core range whiskies out there, just like the Kilkerran 12. Btw on a personal note, how can I reach out to you? Would love to chat once! Cheers
It's a good10yo single malt but not the best. Getting hold of any whisky from Springbank here is the UK is nigh on impossible. Its easier getting blood out of a stone. Ive seen one online shop selling 10yo springbank for £120 a bottle.
Virtually unobtainable in NYC, and if you find a bottle, you then have the privilege of paying about double the industry average for an equivalent bottling. I actually haven't seen this 10 anywhere in 2-3 years, so I don't know what it actually sells for. I saw Hazelburn 10 going for $100 a few months back, and know of a 15 for $120, and an 18 for $180, but I've seen those bottles selling for much more elsewhere. I'm willing to pay up for integrity & artisanship, but double or triple the price of other high-quality bottles? No. I like the way Springbank does things, and I've generally liked (not loved) the few I have tried, but they've become victims of their own success, and they've priced guys like me out ✌️
Me as well, I don't know how many more Springbanks wil have a place on my shelf down the line. The 10 is delicious, and like you I'll pay for quality. But of course there has to be a limit. Sadly this stuff might soon just be for the collectors and investors.
@@Gwhisky For the record, it really makes you appreciate a bottle like Loch Lomond 12 @ 46% which sells for about $30. It's a bit rough around the edges, but I like it, and strangely enough it reminds me of Springbank in terms of its complexity. Have you reviewed it?
@@marclambert8596 I know of a few myself, but I'm not too interested in buying them. I saw Kilkerran 12 today @ Park Avenue Liquors for $90, and that was a pass for me. They did have some interesting independent bottlings, but again, Park/Madison Avenue prices 😱
In my opinion the best 10yo there is. Not prettiest looking bottle but who cares? Thank god a large part of customers here in Taiwan base their purchasing decisions on outward appearance and a high age statement. Leaves the god stuff in shelves. Cheers to that!
That being said, there's a lot of very sophisticated drinkers here who seek out Springbank. This one is getting harder and harder to find here, and the price is shooting up...
Weird thing about me, I LOVED this whisky as a beginner (not a first day beginner, though within the first year or so), I enjoyed the sweetness, maltiness and caramel in it, then as I became more seasoned, I found this whisky, albeit .. an honest intense whisky, to be boring beyond belief. Just left so much to be desired and didn't live up to it's promising mid-palate. I stocked up on a case of it, only to trade it for something I preferred, which an example of that, would be Benromach 10. I can tell Benromach 10 is a "weaker" and yet, "cheaper" tasting whisky, but not boring, and constantly delicious. However, Springbank 15, well that's another story. And I'm sipping on that story as I type. And It's one of my favourite 15 year old stories. I'm soon to try the Benromach 15 and compare. I hope that story is even better! :)
Interesting. I wasn't a fan of SB 10 for the longest time. It was only after a few years that I really started to appreciate it. Funny how different people's journey can take them in different directions! 🥃
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Nope. Everyone is feeling the Springbank pain; very difficult to get even here in Scotland/UK. Still, their success is hopefully a beacon for other distilleries to keep up or improve the natural elements of their presentation.
Huge congrats on 100 videos this year, very prolific but mostly the congrats for keeping an eye on quality. Although I'm gonna stop my wife from drinking my Springbank, hairy chests ain't my bag.
How about legs?
Agree! Luckily I do think the industry has picked up a thing or two from successes like Springbank. Most new/modern distilleries are taking on the craft approach, which is nice to see!
I do hope Springbank takes action here. I think much of the onus falls on the brand itself. I hope that with the massive increase in demand they put some money into expanding their craft operations. As it stands they've let the supply/demand ratio get way out of whack. I realize it might be years before this is corrected, but I do hope measures are being taken!
In Serbia Springbank 10 is about 80 euros, 15 was near that price but is gone. I take last 15.
Very true. Im struggling to find it in england. Wish id stocked up when i went to the distillery
Congrats on 100 videos. Well deserved. I basically hit the play-all on all your videos while working the other day. The compact and to the point style is really appealing. Keep it up!
Agree about the Springbank. It's the only style that I know beginners never like. I know people who liked Laphroaig from day one and also people who liked the Aberlour A'bunadh from day one. But the Campbeltown style seems to genuinely take time to get used to and when you get past that - it's unreal!
Really appreciate the kind words, Phil. I've been watching.g your stuff for a while now too. Big fan!
Agree, SB is the whisky world's “acquired taste” brand.
Great reviews. Like your style - keep them coming and good luck.
Thank you so much! I will! 🙏
Geoffery Congrations on your 100th review! Hope you get to 1k subs soon. Cheers to continue success and good whiskey! Thank you.
Thank you Antonio. Very kind of you to say! 🙏
Amazing... Candy taste, lovely!!!
Nice review!!! 👌👌👌👍👍👍🍭🍭🍭
Thank you! 🙏
Congrats on your 100th episode!
Thank you!
Congrats on 100. Enjoy your reviews. Love me some Springbank. In Texas they are ridiculously easy to find
Thanks! Count yourselves lucky. Realistically I'm not sure if that will last for long though, so enjoy it! Cheers!
Great channel!! You should have 1000x more subscribers!!! I watched almost all, and is gives advanced information. I'm sure you'll get 1 million soon
Hah very ambitious! Love it! I do hope the channel keeps growing. I'm having a blast with it! Thanks for watching!
Another solid review man cheers!
Thanks Lewis! Cheers man!
Just received my first bottle of this after waiting 18 months. WOW this is truly something special. I also have the Killkerrin 12 which is very very similar. Hard picked to pick between these 2. They are both exceptional. Heavy barley influence which I love and the oily texture is divine. Man this is heaven. Fortunately I have both of them now but would happily buy more if I could. Campbelltown is definitely my favourite region. Not for everyone, but for me it is perfection.
SB10 is gorgeous. Glad you're enjoying it! 🥃
Also, would be interested to see a review of some Bruichladdich, either The Classic Laddie or my favourite peated Islay, Port Charlotte 10. Do you do requests, Geoff? 🤣
+1, The Classic Laddie and MRC:01.
PC10 is coming down the line. 🙂
Geoff, congratulations on 💯! You wasted no time, it’s very impressive how quickly you put through 100 top quality videos.
It’s always fun seeing how much you enjoy a bottle I too am so fond. Here’s to another 100!
Thanks Thor! Always happy to see a comment pop up from you! Appreciate the support! 🙏
Congratulations on the viewers and views. You made a deserved appearance on the OSWAs recently - maybe a video on the results?
Good idea. I'm not sure I have any hot takes about the results, but it's something to think about. Cheers!
I finally got to try Springbank 10 today. It did not disappoint. At all. The weird thing to me was that it didn't wow me, but it was just so nuanced, pleasant, balanced and boasting loads of character and just the right amount of funk. It made me nod, sigh and smile in appreciation. It's just lovely.
The wildest thing it's done for me was that I thought: "It's so good that I need to raise the rating of other whiskies, because it's great but not too far removed from whiskies I've scored high". My first impression of it would have me rate it a 90.
Awesome! It's a hell of a whisky! I'm glad it wasn't "oversold" to you. Some whiskies get built up too much and the experience can't live up to the anticipations. And then there's Springbank!
Just opened my bottle and I'm trying it for the first time. Fantastic whisky! That farmy element is what stands out the most for me... I may be off but that reminds me of the Glen Garioch 12. Except the Springbank 10 is so much more. Delicious stuff and very engaging.
Just scored my first bottle of 10. Very delightful
Congrats on making it to 100! I have a bottle of this in my stash, but not opened it yet. Looking forward to it though as I've really enjoyed the other Campbeltown whiskies I've tried so far (Glen Scotia DC and 15, plus Kilkerran 12). I was able to get it for a reasonable price in the UK, but I agree that availability is patchy and prices are creeping up. I also have a bottle of Longrow Peated and Hazelburn 10 unopened in the stash, so I can get the full Springbank experience! 😊
I think if you get on well with Scotia and Kilkerran you'll find plenty to enjoy with the Springbank 10. It's the “OG.” I prefer this to Hazelburn and Longrow, but all three are really good!
@@Gwhisky Got round to opening this last month. Love it! Really well integrated flavour profile for a 10yo, with great arrival and lovely, juicy mouthfeel. Thought I might find it more challenging, but it was surprisingly approachable.
Nice review Geoff and congrats on your 100th review, always appreciate your honest and comprehensive insights.
Springbank is my favourite distillery and you’ve captured the key elements of the 10 nicely. As you say it’s not a beginners whisky but once you’re hooked you’re hooked.
Unfortunately it’s getting harder to track down, especially the more limited and special releases and in some markets the price has risen steeply, I hate to think what the Springbank Local Barley releases cost in your market!
I've never seen the Local Barley here, but I'd probably have to sacrifice my first-born child for it!
Thanks for the kind words and the viewership Lang!
Congratulations, Geoff!
Very nice review :)
Springbank 10 is by all means fit for the occasion.
Last year I managed to snatch a couple of 2019 bottles, one of which is slowly but surely going down. Paid 55 euros per bottle which I reckon is a little too much, but I've never seen it on our market since then. There is no official importer of Springbank for Bulgaria and those bottles were from the two cases that one of the better online retailers had managed to stock through their private contacts. Absolutely love the juice. My score for it is 91 and it is up there with Edradour 12 Caledonia. Your notes about the floral flavors are spot-on. Funnily enough I find Springbank 10 to be nothing of the rugged, tough whisky it is said to be. I find it very elegant and full of subtleties :) The funky, briny notes, the saltiness, the peat smoke and the fruity, floral, perfumy moments complement each other beautifully. The first couple of drams after opening the bottle had kinda short finish but with a little time the whisky has developed marvelously. I'd take Springbank 10 over any of the hyped, indistinguishable, Coca-Cola colored sherry bombs the market is flooded with nowadays.
Cheers!
55 Euros is a lot for a 10 year old, but it's one that's thoroughly enjoyable. I had a similar issue with the finish with this bottle when I first popped it, but luckily it's opened up beautifully.
About being rugged... I don't think it is now. It definitely does have an elegant side. But I remember how this tasted to my inexperienced palate 12 yrs ago. The rubbery and peaty flavours did taste rugged to me at the time, and I think that might be how a lot of other newcomers might experience it.
You are so good! I went to Scotland late August 2019 all Speyside and Glenlivet, Macallan and on day 3 the guys at the Balmoral Hotel were putting on a tasting for us and they brought in Springbank 10yr and I was amazed! No sherry and yet awesome. I'm a sommelier since 1996 so I know aroma and taste but this?! It was fabulous and it left the others ????
You put it so well. Excellent review. The greatest 10yr.
I left Scotland all Campbeltown and Glendronach. Yet to find Islay but that's another story. Love you guy. Keep em coming
Thanks Cecil! Sounds like you had a hell of a trip! Appreciate the kind words! 🥃
@@Gwhisky obviously, life changing. From Speyside low ABV chillfiltered to Springbank, Glendronach and now over 2yrs after the trip CS Islay Peated! Been a whale of a journey and still so much to learn, smell and taste! I love it all.
@@cecilrobbins5182 Hah yeah it's pretty Damm fun! 🥃
I’m in the U.K. and have struggled to buy this. Only tried it once in a bar and loved it. I visited a local whisky shop today and they had a few Springbank 10s on the shelf. Picked 2 bottles up and can’t wait to crack one open tonight!
Yeah I've heard it's next to impossible to find there. Lucky guy! Enjoy! 🥃
Congratulations on the century Geoff! And what a fitting review for the occasion!
Got my last bottle online for 86$ a few months ago. Still affordable and worth the money for the quality you get. But definitely not on shelves in the tri-state area.
I think this is one of the bottles we all need to stockpile while it is still within our budget.
Cheers!
Thanks! Yeah I'm considering grabbing a couple more of these this week. Really hope Springbank ramps up production...
Congrats on the 100 and a great review. I had expected to replace my fast dwindling bottle of the 10 with the 12, but I havent been able to find it anywhere when it was everywhere here this time last year.
Thanks Luke! Yeah the 12 is all but disappeared in a lot of places. Shame...
Well done! Here's to the next one hundred. Springbank is definitely hard to find; my local specialist shop has none. But I did manage to snap up their last bottle of Hazelburn 10 so I have to be content with that. I suppose because of their rarity, I haven't opened this one yet ....
Sad to see that happen. It used to be quite commonplace.
One of mine all time favorite whiskies 😀 Congratulations on 100 reviews!
It's excellent. Thank you!
Hi Geoff ..not sure what availability will be like in your part of the world or if you’ve already come across this , but I just picked up a Glenturret 12 ( the relaunched square shape bottle ) and wow , this stuff is pretty damn interesting sherried with lovely spicy vibes , really enjoying it and based on your love of whiskies with some umph…just though it might float your boat for a future review , keep em coming mate , your doing a fantastic job ..Love the site 👍🥃
I've heard some interesting things about the new Glenturret line. Unfortunately it hasn't made its way to Taiwan yet. I'll jump on it when it does, though. I'm intrigued by that one!
Thanks for all the lovely comments you leave here, Allan. It's truly appreciated. 🙏
Congratulations on your 100th episode!!! One of my favorite whisky channels out there!!! On the other hand, Springbank is imposible to get in my market (latinamerica) so it is one of the brands i'm looking forward the most to try, but it is sad its availability and prices are almost out of reach. Cheers!!!
Thanks for the kind words! Sorry to hear SB isn't available in Latin America. Hopefully you get a chance to try it someday. Excellent stuff! Cheers!
Congratulations 🥳
Thanks!🙏
Congrats, Geoff, on your 100th episode!
Thanks Shaun!
Just got the 2023 release looking forward to trying it soon.
Congrats on your 100th review!! Where I live, you now have to participate in an online lottery to be able to buy springbank, longrow or hazelburn products (and of course, there is a limit of 1 or 2 bottles by customer).
Thanks! Yeah I've heard that lottery situation is the case is a few markets. Sucks!
Congratulations! Springbank 12 &10 are easily my favorite bottles, I finally found a bottle of longrow 10 last night and love it as well! Didn’t love the 140 dollars I paid tho…
Thanks man! Eesh... $140? Ouch...
Congratulations on the 100 reviews. Think I've watched most of them. You deserve 10,000 subscribers by now but I'm sure you'll get there in the end.
As for the Springbank, great stuff but like most Campbeltown stuff in the UK, getting very hard to track down these days. I think half the problem over here, especially for the Springbank and Kilkerran cask strength releases, is that they're almost too cheap at RRP so they're just getting snapped up instantly, presumably with an eye on re-sale in some cases.
Thanks Sam! 10k is a bit ambitious for an 8 month old channel, so I'll have to settle for 1k... for now. 😉
Yeah a lot of these comments seem to carry the same tune as yours. Harder to find, more expensive. I love the distillery but I feel like the brand itself should carry some responsibility for letting the supply/demand ratio get so far out of whack. Really sad to see Springbank slowly slip out of reach for casual whisky drinkers.
Congrats on 100! You’re doing an amazing job, and really helpful for everyone on a scotch journey. Question, since I think it’s coming to this…. Would you rather the price of Springbank increases with demand OR the price stays affordable but it becomes as hard to find as many limited allocation bourbons? Depressing choice, I know.
Option three. I'd rather SB ramps up their production (while keeping it hands-on and craft) so that supply can meet demand. Nobody talks about how some of the onus here falls on the brand. I do hope they're expanding or taking measures to fix the current situation.
@@Gwhisky that’d be ideal. Maybe a modified version of this is that other big name distillers recognize and emulate the craft presentations of distilleries like Springbank, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, and others doing things the right way. Then a Springbank CS 12 showing up on my local store’s shelf wouldn’t cause a stampede!
Great job Geoff👍You have a great channel, just keep it up🥃
Thanks for saying so, I will! 💪
Springbank is so praised, but for that vinegar note... i just can't...😅😅 As your review on Benromach, that's a cheaper but still quality alternative for SB due to similar flavor profile, totally agreed. Sour/vinegar note on Benromach is not that intense which I can enjoy very much.
Congrats! Really like all you have done! Even though there are tons of whisky reviews online, your modern style is still shining through! Sprightly rhythm and friendly!
Glad you like Benromach and thanks for being supportive of my reviews! 🙏 It's always nice to see a “Dairy Yang” comment pop up under my videos!
Haha, it's nicer to see a new Gwhisky review pop up on my YT page!
Huge congrats on hitting 100! Well deserved my friend. U seem to have a more international viewership than most so curious if u know what the spread is?
The spread? As in how widely available SB is in different markets?
Like most English channels my viewers are mostly Americans, Canadians, British, and Australians, with a smattering of European and Asian viewers. International enough, but no more than any others, I suspect.
Great review… the term “farmy” hits the nail on the head. Would love to hear your take on the 15YO. IMO the best of the Springbank range.
I can neither find nor afford the 15 year old these days, sadly. It's good, though!
@@Gwhisky sounds like a nightmare, sorry to hear. Just paid 80€ for a bottle this week… if there’s an affordable and legit way to ship out to Tawain from mainland EU, I’ll gladly help out.
Hah that's very kind of you, but I've got loads of reviews scheduled as it is and I'd rather not burden you or anyone else with the hassle of shipping bottles to the other side of the world. The offer is genuinely appreciated, though!
I found a SB10 in the wild for 65 euros… I didn’t hesitate 😄
My Xmas dram is sorted.
Nice find! 🥃
This shop was quite exceptional: multiple SB10s and 15s and also (older) PC10s in the tubes, a massive range of Signatory and other IBs…
….I’m sure I’ll be back there again 😁
100th review!
I scored one of these for a decent price and before I turned into a "collector" found another one for about $60. I was looking for something else and passed. Not sure how old it was. Mine was probably on the shelf for a few years collecting dust.
I enjoy pouring this next to the Hazelburn 10. I find both to be more mellow than you're talking about. I look for the hidden peat and if there's a difference in 3x distillation. I find them to be "citrus bombs" and the SB10 is a wee bit more complex.
Now I see the SB10 for $90 and that's not going to happen for a backup bottle anytime soon. Insane to think "only a $35 jump to the SB12 is a great deal"
With all the hype around SB Local Barley it seems that the only thing they don't do in-house is grow/malt 100%. So if they're buying barley like many other distilleries it's very impressive that they can make such a distinctive product.
I've been exploring the NAS Longrow recently. There's so much going on in that glass, it's really entertaining but in the dry glass the ash is way stronger than the peat the night before when the taste is strong and balanced. My SB10 has almost no peat.
It's not especially rugged for ppl who've been into whisky for a while. There are some distinctive rubbery notes and peat in here that I think would come off rugged for a beginner.
I've never seen the local Barley eleaae, and I doubt I'll ever get the chance to try it, unfortunately.
$60 for this is a fair price. That's about what it costs here (used to be $47). $90 is entirely too much.
Longrow is nice, but if memory serves its my least favourite of the three SB brands. That's one I should revisit soon!
I was finally able to find some Springbank during my trip to California. I bought two 10 years to bring back, but I'm on the fence about the 15 year. What are your thoughts about the Springbank 15 compared to Glendronach 15. I do love briny and peaty Scotchs as well as sherry aged ones too. I can get it at MSRP so it's real tempting.
I'd definitely go for the SB15. I'm not a huge fan of modern Glendronachs. You're lucky to have access to that SB15 at a good price!
@@Gwhisky well I went back the next day to buy it and it was gone. Oh well..at least I was finally able to get a couple Springbank 10s to add to my Scotch collection. I picked up a Henry Mckenna 10 year bourbon since they had some in stock and those are hard to find in Texas.
@Gwhisky. How would you compare this to the Ledaig 10? You and Ralfy led me to to getting the Ledaig 10 and I really like it. The Springbank 10 is about the same price in my area but hard to come by.
I like this more than ledaig tbh. A bit more complexity here. Can't go wrong with either though. Hopefully you can find this one, it's worth it! 🥃
Definitely true that it’s getting expensive in Australia, you receive the emails from the retailers on the allocation & 5 to 8 minutes later it’s all sold out regardless the expression or the online store crashes. It’s crazy!!!
Luckily I was able to secure a the 12yoCS 2021 & the Longrow Malbec finish.
Wow that's a hell of a score! No idea if or when I'll get my hands on a 12 again. Definitely one to savour!
I just bought it from a shop here in Italy and paid 70€... I'm conflicted between opening it or just let it sit there for a few years and flip it....
If you don't like this uisce.. Stick with rock shandy.. Thankfully its competitively priced here in "rip off Ireland" alongside plenty other Scotch 10s n 12s. Salutations to the Scottish distilleries by and large.. Lost without em. There always seems to be something for everyone in the audience.. Keepin us imbibers innarested on on our toes. Congrats on the 100 our Geoff.. Nice to see Roy "Aquavitae" lending an ear n support/appreciation for your enthusiasm/endeavours. Well done "G Man" on a mission..
Thanks Edward, cheers! Guess I'm getting pretty big-time, eh? 😂
I love this whisky - but here in Germany it's hard to get and if, it's rather expensive. ...nonetheless I buy it whenever I find a bottle
Waited so long for this that i paid $250 aud. But im glad i did. Smell of the cork was highly promising. Will take my time with this one....peobably wont fork out again for it so aim to keep it a while 😅
Eesh that's pricey. Glad you're making the most of it. It's excellent! 🥃
So I found this online for 75 euro where I live...Im not exactly sure about the website but I ordered it. Lets see if it arrives 🤞🤞
( if it does...thats a hell of a score )
That's a good price nowadays, unfortunately. Enjoy! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Thanks. Provided it arrives - I definitely will 🤞😁🥃
Well.
My fondness for Springbank 10 just might explain the thick, developing pelt that threatens to make regular clothing somewhat... superfluous. ;)
Spot-on review! Anyone that genuinely appreciates this whisky should also try Clynelish 14.
Hah! Clynelish 14... very different, but I can see how it would work as a follow-up from SB10. Cheers!
I'd love to see you do a review on Longrow Peated(Springbank). I hope it's availabla there.
Sadly it's massively overpriced in my market nowadays (if I come across it at all). It's good, though! 🥃
I've just bought 2 bottles of it here in Spain for 43 euros
Geoff, SB is still relatively easy to track down in Taiwan. One of the local chain liquor stores, Drinks, is promoting a SB10 gift box with two glasses for NT1600 or US57 and the 15 at NT3300 or US120.
There's often a pretty big disconnect in Taiwan between what's on the website and what's actually in stock.
The 10 is still available, but in far fewer locations. Still cheap by international standards, but about $10-$15 more than it used to be.
The 15 is nowhere to be found in most shops, even those that might advertise it on the website. I haven't seen a bottle in months (and I visit a lot of whisky shops, obviously 😉). It used to cost NT2600, so that one's shot up in price as well. Again, reasonable by international standards, but pricey for here. I often talk about how Taiwan is one of the cheapest whisky markets in the world, so everything in its context.
The 12 is the wild card. Basically impossible to find and massively more expensive. Regardless, SB prices have gone up across the board.
@@Gwhisky Saw the 10, 12 (new and old CS), 15, 15 RW, and 25 earlier today in a local shop in Taoyuan. Let me know if you need an address.
@@j.g.6601 I recently found a shop that carries the 15, and as you mentioned the 10 isn't hard to find, just less common. The 12 is of interest. I'm mostly curious about the prices, though.
@@Gwhisky The new 12 is NTD4300 - expensive, but truly rare.
If you haven't been, I highly recommend a visit to the whisky boutique at the Kuva Hotel in Zhongli. It has one of the largest selections of premium whiskies in Asia.
Complexity 🥃
One of my favorite 10yo.....together with Glenallachie10yo CS, Arran 10yo, Hazelburn 10yo, Ardbeg 10yo.....and probably e few more...
Top-tier 10 year old for sure!
i would like you to do a video on Springbank alternatives...just an idea..
Interesting. Can't think of many. It would be a pretty short list! 🥃
Will be a Live on the channel soon?
I've got no experience doing lives. Wouldn't be sure what to do with myself in front of the camera for an hour. 😂
@@Gwhisky it will be nice trying on a small audience. Next step: colab Live with someone like Aqvavitae.
@@Gwhisky it might be a comparison of 5 or 6 12yo malts plus q&a.
Springbank 10 and Ardbeg 10 are the 2 best entry level OBs.
I just got one for €64,95 (not a bad price imo). The shop owner was even complaining about having‘too many SB10s’ on the shelf! 😮 I told her this is absolutely no problem for me and I can come by more often😂
Hah! What a deal! Ask him if he wants to expand his shop into east Asia. 😂
@@Gwhisky what’s the avg retail price for this bottle over there in Taiwan?
THE FUCK! HE SAID MANURE! LOL
These are still available to me at $65 usd. I’m not there yet to be challenged by them but may have to get a bottle before another price hike.
Highly recommend you do that, it's not likely to stay at that price for much longer! 🥃
Oddly enough, I didn’t taste the peat in this whisky when I drank it neat, but I did taste the peat when I mixed it in a Bobby Burns cocktail.
It's a gentler peat for sure.
Thank you
🙏
I was a fan until I was priced out of the market. They have 4 ages of Springbank in my local store and they are price gouging the hell out of it. Just outrageous prices.I always though it smelled like apples roasting on an open wood fire.
$100 a bottle now in the Chicago area. No thanks! The 12 cask strength is $120. I recently found sound some Kilkerran 12 for $70. So that'll be my Campbeltown go to for now.
I think a lot of people feel the same way! Kilkerran might be poised for the big time now that Springbank is out of grasp for so many people!
i druk more than 10 bottles of it and i have more than 20 bottles in my private collection. it is my favourite whisky
Good on you for stocking up. Beautiful stuff. 🥃
I can usually find a 10 or 15 yr old , (for now) maybe rarely the 18, but pricey as hell.
The 12 is a super rare one that I was lucky to find once and bought 2 bottles.
I loved the 12, but the 10 puzzled me. I couldn’t see what all the hoopla was about. None the less I gassed it at about half the bottle two years ago for another time. It was an older bottling too, @ 2012. It’s not being new to whisky. You still have to like the flavor. I’ve had @ 150 different types of scotch.
I’ve had a plethora of peated scotches, cask strength bottles, challenging flavors like Rye bourbons, Corn, Single grain, Many different Rums, etc. I loved the 12, however, this 10 yr old, I can drink it , but aside from being unique, it’s just not imo a great tasting dram. 🤷🏻♂️
Maybe once I open it again I’ll have a better appreciation for it?
Of course some whiskies don't resonate with certain people and never will. And there is this concensus in the whisky wold where Springbank is Jesus juice and everyone should agree. Obviously that's not the case.
My point was coming from a more personal perspective (one that I've also heard from many other springbank fans), which is that it's an acquired taste. I didn't love this at first and only began to appreciate it over time.
I'll agree that the 12 is better, but I think they both have their strengths. Sadly the 12 is impossible to find and crazy expensive here.
Thanks for commenting Salty!
@@Gwhisky thanks for the response Geoff. Yeah I didn’t mean to bash Springbank. There’s some bottles that just never meet expectations. For me Old Pulteney 17 for example. I bought 3 bottles based on an overwhelming consensus about how great it was. Even Ralfy. I thought it was good but didn’t meet the hype. Maybe you could do a video on some of these bottles that fell short of expectations? Just a thought. Keep up the good work.
Congrats on the 100th video, impressive! Springbank 10 is probably one of the best core range whiskies out there, just like the Kilkerran 12.
Btw on a personal note, how can I reach out to you? Would love to chat once!
Cheers
Thanks! If you want to get in touch, IG is probably the best way.
@gwhiskytw
Otherwise my email is linked under my vids. Cheers!
What does the G stand for?
Geoff 😉
Manure? Sounds tasty
To be fair “bandages, medicine, and petrol” sound like a delicious peated whisky. We do have some funny descriptors in the whisky world!
How am I the only one who catches the very clear and strong gummy bear finish?
I'll look for it in my next session!
@@Gwhisky let me know if you do!
Unobtainium in Portugal.
And in Taiwan. In fact most places these days, unfortunately.
one of the best scotch for me at least.
Agree. Excellent stuff!
It's a good10yo single malt but not the best. Getting hold of any whisky from Springbank here is the UK is nigh on impossible. Its easier getting blood out of a stone. Ive seen one online shop selling 10yo springbank for £120 a bottle.
Virtually unobtainable in NYC, and if you find a bottle, you then have the privilege of paying about double the industry average for an equivalent bottling.
I actually haven't seen this 10 anywhere in 2-3 years, so I don't know what it actually sells for. I saw Hazelburn 10 going for $100 a few months back, and know of a 15 for $120, and an 18 for $180, but I've seen those bottles selling for much more elsewhere.
I'm willing to pay up for integrity & artisanship, but double or triple the price of other high-quality bottles? No.
I like the way Springbank does things, and I've generally liked (not loved) the few I have tried, but they've become victims of their own success, and they've priced guys like me out ✌️
Me as well, I don't know how many more Springbanks wil have a place on my shelf down the line. The 10 is delicious, and like you I'll pay for quality. But of course there has to be a limit. Sadly this stuff might soon just be for the collectors and investors.
@@Gwhisky What did that SB10 run you?
@@Gwhisky For the record, it really makes you appreciate a bottle like Loch Lomond 12 @ 46% which sells for about $30. It's a bit rough around the edges, but I like it, and strangely enough it reminds me of Springbank in terms of its complexity. Have you reviewed it?
Hey Chris. I did find a few bottles of various Springbanks in NYC so happy to share info if inerested - due back on Wed!
@@marclambert8596 I know of a few myself, but I'm not too interested in buying them. I saw Kilkerran 12 today @ Park Avenue Liquors for $90, and that was a pass for me. They did have some interesting independent bottlings, but again, Park/Madison Avenue prices 😱
In my opinion the best 10yo there is. Not prettiest looking bottle but who cares? Thank god a large part of customers here in Taiwan base their purchasing decisions on outward appearance and a high age statement. Leaves the god stuff in shelves. Cheers to that!
That being said, there's a lot of very sophisticated drinkers here who seek out Springbank. This one is getting harder and harder to find here, and the price is shooting up...
@@Gwhisky Unfortunately, that's true as well. But it's still a lot easier to get than in Europe.
Weird thing about me, I LOVED this whisky as a beginner (not a first day beginner, though within the first year or so), I enjoyed the sweetness, maltiness and caramel in it, then as I became more seasoned, I found this whisky, albeit .. an honest intense whisky, to be boring beyond belief. Just left so much to be desired and didn't live up to it's promising mid-palate. I stocked up on a case of it, only to trade it for something I preferred, which an example of that, would be Benromach 10. I can tell Benromach 10 is a "weaker" and yet, "cheaper" tasting whisky, but not boring, and constantly delicious. However, Springbank 15, well that's another story. And I'm sipping on that story as I type. And It's one of my favourite 15 year old stories. I'm soon to try the Benromach 15 and compare. I hope that story is even better! :)
Interesting. I wasn't a fan of SB 10 for the longest time. It was only after a few years that I really started to appreciate it. Funny how different people's journey can take them in different directions! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Aint that the truth! Slainte!
You are so good looking
Hah very flattering, thank you.
The label is terrible though. It’s definitely a factor when your standing in the Whisky isle thinking about dropping 60 bucks on something.