I‘m in my 30ies now and i enjoy the whiskyhobby for ober 10 years. this summer i had a few lovely days in campeltown and also visited springbank. We did the tour and it was a wonderful experience. just honest and pure. i picked up a hand filled longrow that we opened the same evening. outside on the bench with the view of campeltown harbour. perfect malt moment. i will go back to that moment whenever i enjoy a glass of springbank. that‘s what whisky is about for me. not just alcohol or even worse, an investment. it‘s the memory we hold on to and the little moments in this crazy world that allow us to rest for a while. all the best from germany.
@Andy_Holbrook3322 жыл бұрын
Great Extra. I visited Springbank in September this year (2022). It is truly a wonderful experience and yes, they are happy to chat. However, they may let a ‘superstar’ like Ralfy “wonder round the warehouses and sit beside casks” but that’s not the case for ordinary folk. The Cadenhead’s warehouse tour is highly recommended however due to their current approach to risk, the pours are directly from bottles. Six years ago we followed the guide round the warehouse to different casks. Whisky was drawn directly from each cask using a valence. Even the guide this time round was hoping things might change soon. On the other hand the folk at Glen Scotia, in the older part of town, are drawing pours directly from casks. Their tours and tastings are also fantastic and I would thoroughly recommend a visit to them when making the long trip to Campbeltown. The main thing is, don’t rush your visit. Take your time at both distilleries, not forgetting Kilkerran too, have a wonder and simply soak up the history of the place.
@MrKyle18102 жыл бұрын
Hi Ralfy, my Dad and I have long loved your videos, although I’m a new follower, my dad has shared your videos with me for a long time. Your reviews have helped us discover new bottlings and new experiences. We would come together fairly regularly in between the busy hustle and bustle of life, to share a dram (or 10) and share stories and have a good old laugh with whisky at the heart of those evenings. Spring bank was by far one of his absolute favourite distilleries and we managed to tour it last year, which is a memory I’ll have forever. Sadly, He passed away this week at the age of just 61, although he’s no longer able to share the beautiful whiskies we collected over the years, I have many a beautiful memory of my Dad, my hero and I sharing our love for the whiskies we have. Some of those, down to your reviews. So I guess in short, I would like to thank you for inspiring some of those memories. Cheers, kyle.
@thewhiskybothy2 жыл бұрын
. . . pour a dram and remember the malt-moments. Your Dad sharing the whiskies make them all the more precious. . . . happy to have helped a little bit in your journey.
@cascode11922 жыл бұрын
I call Springbank “God’s Own Distillery” 😁 The first time I visited I thought I was seeing a preserved part of the distillery which had been kept as an industrial museum, before realising with a shock that it was the actual working place where the whisky is made! It’s like a time capsule back to the Edwardian era, bless it. However the thing I love above all else is their commitment to Campbeltown. It’s wonderful that a relatively small distillery keeps about 80 people in full or part time employment and fights hard to maintain traditions. Their amazing success is testament to doing things the right way and being artisanal simply because it produces the BEST WHISKY and not as a marketing tool. Thank goodness Springbank exists.
@knarfzxc2 жыл бұрын
I concur, it's 1950's time capsule (not quite Edwardian, but that's here nor there, it's a Treasure nonetheless) and a significant employer in Campbeltown. The owner is a local (most of the time) eccentric (not zany) Scottish billionaire who really spares no expense and keeps the Beacon lit.
@okawami2 жыл бұрын
Love Springbank for its authenticity and they've got my oswa vote without any hesitation. Note, the Kilchoman 100% Islay is malted on their in-house malting floors. They've even expanded their malting floor capacity a few years ago. They're my oswa people's vote this year. Cheers Ralfy! 🥃
@Tylervrooman Жыл бұрын
I've been with you since you posted that distillery tour!! You haven't changed at all, awesome to see... You deserve 200k by now! Thank you for all you do
@linoleumbonypart3852 жыл бұрын
Glad I got into springbank before the madness have some special bottle memories can’t even get 10 year old now in uk
@mincey8082 жыл бұрын
Never had Springbank but I am a Glen Scotia fan. Was hoping to visit Campbeltown soon as I can see it from the Northern Irish coast but one has discovered it is not a quick journey!
@sarafarwell75982 жыл бұрын
No but totally worth it and the drive is stunning!
@mincey8082 жыл бұрын
@@sarafarwell7598 I will definitely make it some day. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
@mincey8082 жыл бұрын
@@KristianH1986 I've only had the double cask and the 15 year old. Of the two I preferred the double cask as the sherry influence on it suits my taste buds. Used to get it around £30 but unfortunately it's creeping towards £40 now!
@robfut99542 жыл бұрын
Glen Scotia is the affordable and easy to find alternative these days.
@anthonymagee2622 жыл бұрын
Hats off to Ralfy, pleased to see this as you prepare for a year of exploring diverse regions etc. some time spent with a classic closer to your home. I have to say I developed a love of Springbank during lockdown after watching your video reviews of the 10 and 25. I’ve since visited the distillery and confirm it’s the real deal. I’ve been totally astounded by a bottle of hand filled Longrow I picked up at the distillery even though I’d say I am not a peat fan, but this stuff is in a different league!!!
@markwebster87432 жыл бұрын
Hello Ralfy. I would have to agree with everything you've said in this vlog. Springbank have been my favourite dram for a while now, really enjoying Ben Nevis also for much of the same reasons. I used to also enjoy Glengoyne until the eye watering prices started to appear but more and more ludicrous prices are appearing more and more. Just seen Talisker 18 and Lagavulin 16 have leaped up to an unreasonable price. Wouldn't be so bad if they'd made them 46% and stopped chilled filtration but that doesn't appear to be happening. 20 year old Highland Park mini for £48 which would mean a full bottle would cost £672 for 70cl. Crazy. Glad I've got my stash. Springbank though are still producing bottles across their range at a good price and quality. They get a big thumbs up from me
@chrisdunne87192 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, just revisited this extras and consequently, I am visiting next year with some whisky mates. I had the pleasure of going to Bardstown, KY this September from the UK and wondered if that experience would ever be topped. I sense I will be asking the same question in 2023 without any doubt. A great problem to have. Cheers 🥃
@thewhiskybothy2 жыл бұрын
. . . enjoy the visit.
@cameronlochner97802 жыл бұрын
Great extra Ralphy! Many whisky folk don't know or fully understand the distilling process. In fact, if you run/heat your still too fast & aggressive, you can find faints in your heads!
@davidrobin16562 жыл бұрын
Toured Springbank in 2008. They were a staff member down in the cadenhead shop so couldn’t do our pre-booked tasting ‘properly’. So they left us in the tasting room for over an hour to taste whatever we fancied then came joined in. We didn’t take the piss but it was great. Then, to cap it all, they refused to take payment because we hadn’t had a ‘proper’ tasting. So Springbank. Brilliant.
@shadowfox75132 жыл бұрын
Fascinating. I will certainly order a bottle as soon as it becomes available if it isn't already. Thanks, my friend for the review and the suggestion of various types of Whiskey. You certainly save us all a bit of money finding out for ourselves.
@robtudor3785 Жыл бұрын
Must visit one day. Made me laugh as I bought my first Springbank from Waitrose.
@danadair13492 жыл бұрын
I never even saw Springbank around me until 2015. I had no idea there was people reviewing whisky on KZbin. I knew I liked 15 year old scotch and I wasn't afraid of peat. I spent the 100$ and figured it was a safe gamble. Absolutely blew my mind. Been my favorite distillery ever since. One of your previous reviews nailed it perfectly. "Springbank is far more concerned about quality than they are continuity of the brand"
@domanz12 жыл бұрын
sitting here, sipping the best NAS for your buck, longrow peated :) just great stuff. Lots of creamy zesty citrus, crisp smoke and minerals. I pour this one in the slot where I have the most attention which is the second dram, so I don't miss out on anything.
@TheDanielHayes2 жыл бұрын
Visited Springbank two weeks ago. By far, my favorite distillery. LOVED it! Great staff, beautiful, authentic distillery. Looking forward to my next visit already! As good as Springbank is though, it's peaty brother Longrow is my fave! ;)
@sarafarwell75982 жыл бұрын
Just had the barley to bottle tour a few days ago, absolutely wonderful! Missed you at Bon Accord a few days prior. Cheers!
@billtosh20002 жыл бұрын
In full Chanty Wrassler mode! Love it.
@jamosensei2 жыл бұрын
I have the 12 year CS, and it is amazing, but you have convinced me that I should delve deeper into the rabbit hole…Slàinte, a bhràthair!!!
@rocketeer.2 жыл бұрын
Malty ass!?!? That’s hilarious Ralfy! Love your extras!
@gareth6302 жыл бұрын
Nice one very enjoyable. I hate driving back to M/Cr from Pickering N/Y ( gods country so I was told) so Campletown is not being done any time soon. Re my Indie journy started with Signitory 10 Edrabour, 9 yr Sig Caol Isla and BB+ R 12 yr Glenturret peated. Lets all enjoy. Looking forward to the OSWA, some great shouts on those lists, good luck hope it smash's last year 🙂
@rocketeer.2 жыл бұрын
I also like the Dr Who critter on the shelf. Very good!
@alanc124022 жыл бұрын
I love the oily flavors that Springbank offers. Springbank was a treat to visit. I'd love to do it again, as it's unadulterated and very real. With it keeping to traditions, it makes fantastic product that here in Canada, it's so hard to find.
@rafarutka48232 жыл бұрын
I have still not open my bottle of 12 yo CS (53,1%) SPRINGBANK which I bought more than 6 years ago, and it was last bottle in this specialist shop in Torun, Poland, after this they never had Springbank any more, really it is very hard to get. Relevant to your sentence Ralfy quality in glass quality of live. Pozdrawiam!
@Pew70702 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, I remember that series like yesterday! Remember Pete, then a manager at that place, now a regional sales for another scotch company that might not be so inline with our geeky views of the industry… 😝😜😂😂 Good chap nonetheless… 👍🏻
@Valera_Scotland2 жыл бұрын
Picked up a bottle of Longbow in the Borders today. Beautiful. Its a shame that the 10 and 15 are tricky to get. I've tasted them both but never had a bottle myself. Can't wait to get a hold of one when supply opens up a little. Thanks Ralfy.
@IgorFoukzon2 жыл бұрын
The best reviewer on the best distillery. )
@WhiskyLoversSociety2 жыл бұрын
Was looking forward to this extra. Love it or hate it, Springbank has made a name for themselves. Was a bit of a hit and miss for me. Would love to try more but the prices are just a bit much for my budget. Cheers.
@willemkilian95632 жыл бұрын
Hello you marvelous multifocals!
@thewhiskybothy2 жыл бұрын
. . .now on the M-mention List, thanks !
@theestimator2 жыл бұрын
There was a lot of passion tonight Ralphy, indication’s of conversations yet to be had !!!! tangible frustration regarding volume producer’s shortchanging the Whisky buying regular’s. Just finished a bottle of Springbank 10yo and I can’t bear to throw the empty in the re-cycling ….
@danmorgan77752 жыл бұрын
My bottle of Springbank 10 has only a dram or two left and they will be savoured accordingly. Not the easiest to find in Canada sadly. Fortunately I do have a bottle of Longrow to get me through the fall and winter. Would love to visit Campbletown one day and see how these masters create the nectar of the gods.
@robfut99542 жыл бұрын
Springbank is the Pappy Van of Scotland. Great stuff, but hard to get and the value for the buck is sailing far into the distance.
@ilikethingsfromjapan2 жыл бұрын
I recently bought a copy of 'On the Production Methods of Pot Still Whisky' by Masataka Taketsuru. Where he went to Campletown in 1920 to study whisky production at Hazelburn, it's on amazon for £7.90 right now, and a good read if you're into that sort of shit.
@MaLiCeCoLtRaNe2 жыл бұрын
No disagreement whatsoever on the quality of the malt. But the OSWAs do specifically call out accessibility and affordability, and we must be honest, Springbank is not that anymore. I can’t get any SB, Longrow, Hazelburn, or Kilkerran for less than $100 USD at the absolute cheapest, and it’s often well above that. But, the quality is there, so when I can find it and spend some extra cash, I certainly am appreciative. For what it’s worth, my OSWA write-in for Best Distillery was Kilchoman, and they do at least some of their own malting.
@robfut99542 жыл бұрын
Even 5 years ago I couldn’t get any of those 4 for less than $75, now all $100 or more in most shops. Going the way of Pappy Van.
@paulm7492 жыл бұрын
Ralfy should create/build his own distillery. Just a small one as a proof-of-concept. Seriously. Supporters could send a few coins his way to help fund it...
@chrishoyt75482 жыл бұрын
So Ralphy, if I can not find any Springbank products am I safe with Glendronach 15, or Mortlach? I have seen Longrow here a year ago. If I see it I will go with Longrow. Thank you Ralphy. I'm in to Springbank with both feet now. I will check out your archive as well. Chris the Cape Bretoner go raibh míle maith agat!
@szymsien2 жыл бұрын
One of the Best 10yo ever. My personal favorite. In my opinion this is one of must try bottels. Hope they won t follow modern marketing tricks and communication. This is the distilery that makes a dmn good whisky, do we need anything else?
@Carleton.Weaver2 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, I have a question. How could a distillery make this quality of whisky in terms of traditional production methods on a scale that would satisfy demand? Is it even a possibility? Very informative episode, thank you.
@Collwila2 жыл бұрын
Well that's Spring Bank won again this year and a few years to come
@Mikaxz12 жыл бұрын
My favourite distillery but their too expensive prices have to buy their Kilkerrans instead. Same sound.
@ralphthomson26802 жыл бұрын
the 10 is £40/£50 in U.K. not expensive really.
@MaxMHF2 жыл бұрын
Kilkerran 12 is pretty goooood
@Mikaxz12 жыл бұрын
@@ralphthomson2680 Close 100€ here on mainland + taxes If buying from there.
@stevelandwonder47602 жыл бұрын
The 10 is now £53 at MoM and £55 at RMW in the UK. That's expensive IMO.
@ralphthomson26802 жыл бұрын
@@Mikaxz1 fair enough
@HostileButHonourable2 жыл бұрын
Springbank is a bubble. Lottery to buy ONE and extortionate to buy at auction. So many people like me have said no to that three ring circus and will never return. A dangerous place for a brand to be with so many alternatives available of equal (and in some cases, superior) quality without the hoopla. Springbank is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success. Upping production in whatever way they could, would help. It does seem strange that they charge reasonable retail price only to have the secondary market make the real money from their product
@ralphthomson26802 жыл бұрын
Just build up a rapport with your local whisky shop. I seldom struggle to get Springbank except the 30/25 year olds because I’ve been buying from the same shop for years and take core ranges alongside the ‘special releases’ to help the retailer out.
@HostileButHonourable2 жыл бұрын
@@ralphthomson2680Alas .. if only it was as straightforward as that. Only one shop in ROI sells Springbank. All lottery,/ballot via email application , no exceptions. I have thrown many thousands of euro over their counter down the years since they opened but 'no dice' . NI the same. Canvassing disqualifies. And since Brexit the supply has dropped and buying from UK vendors direct carries massive excise/ duty fees now which can double+ the price which make auction prices seem cheap. Its not just with SB this problem exists though.
@ralphthomson26802 жыл бұрын
@@HostileButHonourable fair enough I’m in Scotland
@KristianH19862 жыл бұрын
So long as springbank continues to produce the same quality then they won’t be a ‘victim’ of anything. If people stop paying the scalpers then guess what, the scalpers won’t buy it anymore and it’ll be available through regular means again. The best thing whisky lovers can go is not feed the secondary market, however people always will. It’s a greedy world out there.
@robfut99542 жыл бұрын
This has completely turned me off them. I’ve tried a couple bottles and likes them, but nowhere near well enough to take a raffle to “win” the right to spend $100 on a 10 year malt.
@ryancarrk43452 жыл бұрын
You magnificently and malticiously mentioned at the end of this video that a good distillery can exist anywhere. Do you know of one in the U.S. that makes a Scotch style whiskey close to the quality of some of your favorite ones from Scotland? Not looking for a good Bourbon but a true Scotch (if there is such a thing) made in the U.S.
@pokerpotpipe21172 жыл бұрын
expensive whisky to buy in general across EU, thank you for your review+++
@robfut99542 жыл бұрын
Even crazier prices in the US. As much flak as Ardbeg get for premiums this deserves its own discussion
@gavsdrams2 жыл бұрын
O ralfy it is hard enough to get Springbank It is now going to be impossible after that review
@chentim17512 жыл бұрын
The price hike of Spring bank drives me away from this delicious distillery. The worst case in Taiwan is its importer(official agent for Taiwan) the DRINKS WINES $ Spirits CO. sells these Springbanks DIRECTLY at a secondary market Price, not the imported price ( The agent becomes a major rip-off greedy company in the TAIWAN market?!!) I AM CURIOUS IF SPRINGBANK DISTILLERY REALIZES THIS RIP-OFF CUSTOMERS SITUATION???
@sowlegwhiskyreview55012 жыл бұрын
Amen😁
@marcwhiskey2 жыл бұрын
There's distilleries that brag about chill filtering whiskey. Buffalo Trace is one of them. And yet people buy up every bottle they see. Unfortunately a large portion of the consumers don't care or don't even know what it means. This online community is still just a small small drop in the bucket for distillers.
@rocchinosz2 жыл бұрын
Springbank is the only one for me.....
@henri48432 жыл бұрын
The last bottle SB 10, I bought was €53 and now they sell it for 90- 100€. Good bye Sprintbank!
@swedishburrito50732 жыл бұрын
❤️👍🥃
@user-hb1ve6mc6f2 жыл бұрын
Ya man
@dkoz83212 жыл бұрын
Oh man , that is one costly scotch. 1oyo $95, 21 yr $550. With 12, 15, and 18 yo lay in between.
@davet71852 жыл бұрын
All well and good Ralfy, but SB is only accessible to the fat wallet brigade these days 😮💨.
@jamesangus72532 жыл бұрын
Whisky drinkers being too polite? You've not come across my thoughts in some of the groups have you sweetie. Calling it how it is with brutal honesty.