ralfy review 964 - Springbank 12yo Cask @53.2%vol (OSWA Winner 2022)

[@shotgunwound]

Got more chance of catching Nessie than any Springbank these days!

[@cliffhughes6010]

Everywhere I look it's sold out.

[@shugaroony]

@@cliffhughes6010 Me too.

[@Mark_R_]

Agreed, does make al the awards it wins a little bit irrelevant if it's made of unobtanium. Awfully good stuff tho, 2018 was the last time I managed to find a bottle.

[@bjornbose9702]

No problem to buy Springbank 12 in Germany. At the price of about 310 EUR the delivery is even free!😇

[@rares_21]

@@bjornbose9702 ,only Muller can drink this with this price!

[@chrisgwhisky]

It’s been a long while since we’ve seen Ralfy hold a bottle with a fill level that low. The 12 CS is the gem of the range, bar none.

[@discordia013]

It's been a long time since I've seen someone with an actual Springbank bottle. Proof of life so to speak.

[@davidb2701]

My favorite distillery for the last 18 years. Luckily I’ve got several bottles in stock to uncork. Enjoy whisky!

[@mrnosebear7406]

Hi Ralfy, thanks for this superb review. Yes, you are totally right. Springbank is the best distillery in Scotland at the moment. Let's pray that they stay independent. I will try a little dram of the Springbank 10 year old tonight. Cheers from a pat pal from Germany

[@Dalwhat]

Glad to hear that Loch Lomond has improved. It was always Captain Haddock's favourite whisky.

[@andyking894]

There's something odd about bottles of Springbank. They always seem to spring a leak when I open one because I don't remember drinking that much of it, and before you know it, it's half gone!

[@gtfishing4163]

haha. same things happening here

[@peterfinucane8122]

Leaks from the top. Very strange....

[@shawndaly8450]

Same thing happens to me!

[@bradl2636]

The last allocation drop in Australia sold out in less than an hour. Moving on to other options that are actually obtainable. I found more Springbank in Tokyo than anywhere else the last 12 months.

[@DJMJRyder]

I can answer why springbank is so great with one word, Traditional. They do everything in the traditional way, it's why edradour distillery is so great too

[@tavuzzipust7887]

A few years ago I came across a Loch Lomond line called Inchmurrin (12 yrs, 46%, non chill filtered) that I thought was excellent.

[@natural1952]

It was impossible to watch this without grabbing my open bottle of 12yo CS for a dram - the Batch 21 release from 2020, weighing in at 56.1%, with the new red label. Extraordinary. With what's happened to the price, I suspect that my remaining bottles will be my last. I can't complain....it's been a great run. Thank you, Ralfy, for all the pleasure (and information) that you give us. (Back to the glass) "Oh wow", as the Whisky Friend would say.

[@stanbrown915]

Drinking Port Charlotte 10 (on your recommendation) as I watched this review. I know what I like even though I might not know exactly how to explain what I am tasting. I like this strange concoction that's Port Charlotte and I can't wait till I become better educated on what exactly I'm tasting.🤣🤣🤣

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Bacon smoked meats oily and rich well that's what I get.

[@orituhkguyjmnrmnht]

That's batch 10 right there. Never got a chance to try that. I did get my hands on a batch 12 just about a week ago and wow was it impressive! I really wish this current era of in your face superpeated whisky would stop and more whisky with just the right amount of peat (such as Springbank) would be produced. But that of course would require the whisky to be actually decent so there wasn't anything to hide with a puff of smoke...Now that you mentioned Loch Lomond I recalled a 1992 Inchmoan 25yo that was also just slightly peated with so much fruit to offer. Quite close to a Springbank whisky really. Thanks again Ralfy!

[@bonbongandalf4920]

It’s nice that you highlight the distillery. You have an aversion to big corps and their practices. Great, I totally agree What I don’t agree with is that you omit their current situation. It’s impossible to find bottles and they’re being scalped. Distributors openly sell for secondary market prices. This is something springbank has power over. If this sort of thing happens with authorised retailers of items in different industries, they lose their license. Imagine an licenced apple reseller selling new hard to find phones for ebay prices. They’d lose their contract. All the companies that are distributors for springbank should be held accountable to sell for the rrp. Springbank has the power, since if the distributor doesn’t agree, there’s always another party ready to take the deal. But they knowingly fail to do this. They love the hype and they’re happy with the status. They will slowly drive their prices up more and more. They’re like Macallan if macallan did things right. They’re even worse since they don’t have a big multinational behind them, so they’re doing this for greed. Not profit, just greed

[@ralphthomson2680]

Beautiful stuff. Springbank is the best distillery in the world.

[@marclambert8596]

“Gutsy” is a great descriptor for both Ardnamurchan and Springbank in not just flavor profile, but also for unapologetically blending the traditional with the creative and modern. Enjoying the SB 10 from 2020 while watching. Thanks to Ralfy and other anoraks & mentors in the WhiskyVerse, I’m feeling so lucky to have bought plenty of their diverse offerings the past few years! I’m also lucky to have avoided the age fetish and have plenty of incredibly high quality but young drams in my collection.

[@NicolasMD85]

Could you give us, malt mates, some example of the "ralfy recomended" bottles that you are happy with :)

[@DrumondArt]

@@NicolasMD85 Benromach Cask Strength is one, no doubt.

[@NicolasMD85]

@Drumond Art I'm going to visit Frankfurt in 2 months, and I'm planning to get Daftmill 15 yo, Benromach cs, Edradour Signatory edition (46% abv). That's why I need some more extravagant ideas, besides Springbank 10, 15, and 18, Glencadam 10, Glenallachie 12, Port Charlotte 10, Arran 10, Bunnahabhain 12, and many more classic Ralfy recommend bottles that I've got and I'm so happy with.

[@l.s.1709]

@@NicolasMD85 independent bottlings of Ballechin and Staoisha

[@hudibrad]

It took me 3 years of hunting to get a bottle of 10yo Springbank at a passable price. No regrets there to say the least! If anything I'm now considering paying unreasonable amounts for another bottle. Such an all rounder in terms of smell and flavour...

[@gtfishing4163]

thank you so much for this review Ralphy. Can't wait for the extra. keep it up! Cheers. Guillaume from France.

[@whiskyenthousiast7272]

Thank you for the great review. Always happy to watvh.

[@glencoewhite6939]

I had to leave Scotland early due to the pandemic and I had a bunch of cash to spend so I went to a small place in Aberdeen and snagged an 18 year. I still haven’t tried it but it holds a center spot on my shelf.

[@r.w.culbertson2030]

Glad you mentioned Longrow, Ralfy...it's a fancy word, elegant, but I think it fits Longrow, as a peated dram.; assuming a person fancies them to begin with.

[@andrewwohl11]

Ralfy, an 88 for cask strength Springbank? What would it take to receive a 92 in your scale? Based on your superlatives, a 91 or 92 would have been a more appropriate score (to differentiate it). Great review, we learn so much each time!!

[@timkempisty258]

If availability and value are to be considered, then the 88 should serve as a reality check. How much extra time and effort is it worth to get a unicorn bottle of whisky like this? How much extra is it worth paying on the secondary market? How much pining away for a long lost bla bla bla bla bla... I think that's the point. It may be very good whisky, but in the end, it's just whisky. Obtaining one of these white whales is simply not worth a full fledged obsession or logistical / financial gymnastics. A scotch whisky journey is neither incomplete nor diminished just because you can't your hands on a specific Springbank. If you happen to see it and it doesn't break the bank... sure, pick it up. But stay grounded in reality. It's not going to change your life. If you run out and pay 200, 300, 500 dollars for a whisky that ends up not delivering you instantly to the promised land where all your happiest dreams can come true... well friend, we tried to warn you it's just whisky. 😁

[@andrewwohl11]

Well said Tim.

[@mackal]

I love that Loch Lomond can make a single blended scotch made from 100% malted barely (not blended malt since one of the 100% malted barely is a single grain due to column still)

[@timthewhiskynut477]

Google says this is Batch 10 from 2014! Very cool!

[@jtf2dan]

Never seen a bottle of Cask Strength Springbank in the last 7 years of hunting......as soon as I find one it is mine, for sure. I was fortunate enough to find the 15 year old Springbank about 4 years ago.....and it is my favorite bottle by far...so I can just imagine how much bertter the cask strength is. Cant wait until the day I find this unicorn!

[@TheAradar]

I bought one in Caen 4 months ago (Springbank 15), only half bottle left :P

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Loch Lomond ? About 2 or 3 years ago, I came across Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Bought a bottle & really enjoyed it. Over the next few months I bought 5 more bottles. Wish I had bought a case before it disappeared. Late last year I came across another version of Loch Lomond. It was decent (too tame) but not as appealing as "The Open Special Edition".

[@bjornbose9702]

Ralfy, at latest in view of the given malt mark I am sure that you are a wise man. Thanks for this anew great review. Locking forward to the Xtra.

[@feelgeorge]

Finally managed to get my hands on this, bottled at 57.2%, it was worth the wait I have to say

[@aaronpickens6831]

I'm waiting to get one of these bottles - it's expected to be in stock locally in a few weeks. I'm now fearful that your review will make it impossible to snag one of these :) Cheers, and thank you for the stellar content on both channels!

[@canalwhiskywhiskey]

Nice nominations. I like Glen Scotia, Arran and Loch Lomond as well, but i never tasted a sip of Adnamurchan before.

[@DJMJRyder]

To see why Loch Lomond is being held in such high regard, look no further than Loch Lomond 12 Inchmoan, it has the peat complexity of an octomore. Obviously not as punchy as a cask strength 5 year old but more peat notes in a single class than any bottle other than octomore. Must be the high reflux from such tall stills at both distilleries

[@breakerwaves]

Got a bottle of Springbank 10 A few months ago and it’s half gone already. Tremendous whisky at a great price.

[@andrewmainprice2179]

I don't expect to ever find one in my whisky journey

[@ryewhisky2682]

IMHO this bottle needs some oxidation to find its balance. Drink it to the shoulder and give it a month or so. I bought a case last year based on the quality of the 15 and 18 and its cask strength. The first and second drams were not great. A month later its better than the 15. Great review as always Ralfy ... Cheers!

[@kevinnordby4808]

I’m not crazy about Springbank 10 but I’m on my second bottle of Springbank 15 and it’s great with an addictive chocolate note. If I see a 12 cask strength I’m jumping on it for sure. Great review as always Ralfy!!

[@Nasosdag]

The way you talk about Springbank, I was expecting something like a 95 or above for a malt mark! What am I missing? I had a quick look and the highest I found was a 97 for a St. Magdalene 19 yo (not sure if there have been higher ones). It would be really interesting to hear how you give the marks.

[@Bobbybigs31]

Love the new thumbail, Ralfy!

[@TheMetalGBG]

To springbank, Link to 11:20 to 12:00 to save on advertisement ;)

[@anjo8244]

Springbank prices in Germany as of February 2022: - 10 y/o: 80€ - 15 y/o: 140€ - 18 y/o: 300€ ... - Arran 10 y/o: 33€ - Arran 18 y/o: ~100€ I appreciate that there is so high quality spirit out there and kudos to Springbank for staying so upright, but paying Macallan prices for it just doesnt make sense... Cheers.

[@Nasosdag]

I second that. I get it, demand and supply, hype (I mean that as an inescapable consequence when is good and rare, not as a slight to the quality of the whisky), some hoarding by people who can afford it. But still... for the age of the whisky the prices are way high and will probably get higher. I am writing this comment on 11Jul2023 and the current price of Springbank 15yo in Germany is 190+ Euro.

[@anjo8244]

@@Nasosdag If you are buying for 190€+, you need to step up your online research game... there are possibilities for 150€ online atm. That doesnt mean it is worth to me that amount of money, but the only option you have is to not buy it then if you feel the same. As long as ppl exist who buy it for these prices, the prices wont go down. Especially as it is quite limited (unlike recent Macallan bottlings which are also overpriced but come in big quantities. Hence, they are discounted sometimes and price elasticity is not quite as high)

[@miserablerhurensohn]

Speaking of aging in a damp environment, have you heard of the 170 year old ship wreck in Lake Michigan with 280 barrels of whiskey on board? The plan is to hope that it is still good and can be bottled. I have my doubts.

[@mark5ization]

Ralf dear, the fact that Springbank has used the identical, word-for-word, flannel-free verbiage on its back labels for many years now, is testimony to their integrity - I'm sure you agree 🙂.

[@peartreedu]

After all that praise for this whisky, you give it an 88? This sounded like the holy grail of malt whisky. Why not higher?

[@markmuller3720]

Yes it's true, Springbank is the Love to Whisky, it's a beautiful Drink. It's the Soul of Scotish Whisky.

[@robertsnare1411]

If I was lucky enough to find a bottle of that, I’m not sure I could afford the mortgage I’d need to be able to buy it! The cost of Springbank has gone atmospheric.

[@r.j.wheels6755]

Agree 💯

[@breakerwaves]

The good whisky shops still sell them for a good price. I don’t think Springbank is marking them up at all, just greedy resellers,

[@peterc3822]

Somehow managed to grab a bottle of the newer batch 23 55.9% (first 100% bourbon 12 year cask strength). Hoping its a fantastic whisky albeit expensive in Australia at $250 retail. Stashing bottles of Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn and Kilkerran away are not such bad ideas while even slightly available at the moment.

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Would love to get a bottle of Springbank. Unfortunately, the only one I've found near me is the 12 year Cask Strength for $135/USD which is above my price range 😳

[@bartoloco5194]

I look forward to understanding your new Malt Mark system. Currently, mainstream malts are awarded higher marks than or very close to Springbank. I guess this year you are taking a turn in how you judge and rank whiskies????

[@nealbruce5914]

Finally found it here in the States!!!😎

[@rkostyantyn]

A few years ago almost the entire Springbank range always was available in nearby stores for reasonable money. If I knew then what would happen in the nearest future. ..

[@WhiskeyKnows]

Congratulations on # 964 Ralfy!!!! Keep em coming my Friend!!

[@DavidUKesb]

Springbank is very good but the hype surrounding it is now way out of control. There are just as good, or better, whiskies to be found from other distilleries such as Benromach, Arran, Glen Scotia, Longmorn, Glengyle, Ardnamurchan, Bruichladdich etc etc.

[@DrumondArt]

Benromach is kind of an hidden gem 💎

[@alecky1972]

Glengyle is a sister distillery to Springbank, ran by the very same staff.

[@magnusnielsen2648]

I had a bottle of springbank 10 that was incredible harsh on the oak, I dropped them an email and they told me to contact the reseller

[@andymoore7820]

Hi. Great review, as always. If I could be so bold as ask our fellow whisky drinkers, where they buy their bottles from? As a relatively new whisky convert I struggle to locate most bottles that are not in the supermarkets, or on Master of malt and The Whisky Exchange websites. Any help, guidance and advice would be greatly appreciated. Slante. Andy

[@palace.swindle]

If you can find a local specialist retail shop, that is probably your best bet (depending on your location). There are quite a few independent retailers around the UK who operate with integrity and will sell the more in-demand bottles like Springbank at or close to RRP, but you will usually have to be quick, and there will be a limited window to get your hands on these following each release, they won't be available all year round. Many of them have online shops too which you can follow on social media or sign up to email lists to be notified of exciting new things in stock. You'll struggle to find Springbank at a reasonable price from the online resellers. Failing that, Master of Malt is not a bad option, their independent bottlings can be pretty interesting and well priced. But appreciate they don't have everything.

[@andymoore7820]

@@palace.swindle cheers my friend.i will look at local shops near me as a first start. Much appreciated the advice.

[@paulm749]

The cask strength Springbank 12 is the one and only whisky from this distillery that has disappointed me. That bottle was purchased a few years ago, and there were reports from other people that my experience with that particular batch wasn't unique. The example I had was overwhelmed by a flavor of burnt rubber, and I struggled with that bottle for the better part of a year, but it never improved much. Perhaps it's time I gave this one another chance - if I can find any of it!

[@ralphthomson2680]

The 12 CS are batchy and different every release. There was one a few years back I didn’t quite enjoy as it was a weird cask mix bourbon/Sherry/port and was a bit of an oddity dram. However every other 12CS I’ve tried have been absolutely top drawer. Perhaps you got the odd bottling.

[@ironmantran]

It is a bit of a game for the ENTIRE Industry : the 1990's stocks (laid down in the 1980s) were amazing for decent prices, say 30 UKP per bottle --- then 2000-2008 (Financial crash) came about with decreasing quality and raised prices, that 30ukp became 70ukp ---------- 2008-2010 proved single malts were crash-and-recession proof take McAllum or Balveneer for ex --------- 2010-2020 , same bad stocks or even worse stocks with even higher prices, now 70ukp repriced at 120ukp (take Bow--less for more, or PAYmore with the antlers) ----- 2021 onwards, even s-o-m-e (not all) bottom shelf malts run over 180-220ukp for a 1990-quality 21yo for 400-500% more (take Duff-city for example - or Lowland Park). . sad.

[@mamuka1977]

Outstanding review, My question is what is the fair price for that bottle? I had a chance of a day to get it for $200 2017 release. Is it worth it? I changed my mind in the last second and instead purchased three bottles Victoria ,campbelltown loch and 15-year-old armagnac.12 CS new release online. Right now it's about 300 to $500. I don't believe the steelery being so popular because I make damn good whiskey but it's nearly impossible for average person to buy it for fair price.

[@onYTsince2008]

PHEW, so glad I have a SB15 hidden in my stash!! Hiding my Platinum stock 🤣🤭

[@neotropos]

Can't find this anywhere now

[@mackal]

Appears to be batch 10 from 2014. (according to whiskybase)

[@zevc3591]

Thanks Ralfy!👍👍

[@alfiefranklin7831]

Thank you Ralfy…

[@claks_cocktails2838]

Hello Malt mates. Where is the best place to buy online? Cheers.

[@mastykidemiai]

It would be interesting if you would review Aerstone sea cask and land cask

[@sotirismaroudas5923]

I expected a better grade. I believe that a high mark is above 90.

[@pugamusmaximus]

I purchased the 10 year today for 64 USD should of bought all 5, ha, i didn't know! It was bottles 4/2022

[@shugaroony]

We are all thinking the same now. Can't get it for love nor money either in its home country.

[@r.j.wheels6755]

Lucky you! Where?? Lol

[@pugamusmaximus]

@@r.j.wheels6755 Houston texas

[@heisenbergguy7772]

I totally agree about the Glen Grant 15 year old. Can we get a full refund and $1,000 for our nightmares, with possible counseling fees?

[@lorenzohernandez8371]

Hello, Springbank is like Habanos nowadays....difficult to find and really expensive.

[@sidberns1373]

Nectar of the gods I thought would be worthy of a 90 🤔

[@mostiforian]

Sadly, in the last few years it has become almost impossible to buy here in Switzerland. And when some does pop up it is £200. Been priced out of it. At least I enjoyed the two bottles I could afford in the past.

[@IesusLucero]

Hi Ralfy. Good review as always. Would you review Monkey Shoulder? Greetings from Argentina.

[@onYTsince2008]

BUT, how come it's a "BASIC" malt mark if it checked ALL the boxes?? 🤔🤔😵🧐

[@Wayno69]

Hi Ralfy, are you surprised to see that Edradour distillery didn't feature in the OSWA results? I recall you speaking glowingly about many expressions from Edradour.

[@greigmartin4339]

As far as I’m aware the last batch of the 12cs was released in 2021. It used to be twice a year I think.

[@blary5298]

Almost impossible to find at a reasonable price where I am from. Someday I hope to give it a try.

[@pmckeown38]

I always get a sinking feeling when I see Spring bank bottle. Always out of reach. 😪

[@mattzoozb1385]

You can get a bottle of this in Australia for $A679.

[@steviestevie6868]

Would love to taste it but can't find a bottle........... Is that the ultimate definition of "Scotch Mist"? 8o)

[@lenuvian]

Are Springbank not producing? When will another batch hit the market?

[@judgeholden849]

The 15 year old Glen Grant dissapointed me to the last pour. I kept waiting for it to reveal SOMETHING pleasant, because it looked good on paper. It never did though.

[@chrisinston427]

What is this unicorn juice? Great review of something I’ll never get to taste.

[@victor1756]

Locally I can get only Kilkerran, enjoying a bottle from time to time, Springbank is unobtainable. The production philosophy of Springbank is like a Rolex watch, seldom available and often at prohibitive price.

[@natural1952]

No doubt about it, reviews like this are going to drive prices for Springbank WAAAYYY down. (Yeah right)

[@whateverme3072]

I used to drink a fair amount of Springbank and liked it a lot. Unfortunately, the prices went up so much, way more then other single malts in my area. I guess you pay for the integrity and you pay a lot these days. However, what strikes me most is the surprisingly low score, low - we're talking Springbank here. For a fun of comparison, I remember Ralfy giving Old Grand Dad BIB 88 and Evan Williams 90. Different style, but doesn't he score the quality and pleasure of drinking the very dram on his barrel? OGD BIB, that's what I drink these days.

[@timkempisty258]

I have a Springbank 10 and a Springbank 15 in my collection, and I'm hesitant to ever pour them. Even if I have them, I can't actually enjoy them! Yes, good on them for doing all the right things... but all the enthusiasts are now out here here telling each other what they can buy instead of Springbank. The Glen Scotias / Ardnamurchans / Kilkerrans can take some of the demand for that style, but is there a solution for Springbank itself? I wonder if the brand is officially too far into the realm of speculators and collectors at this point.

[@simongilbert2704]

i have an older version in a black carton , bottled at 52.2 ,,, too expensive to open ??

[@aimokulaus]

@simon gilbert What did you pay for it?

[@simongilbert2704]

@@aimokulaus its an older one which i was going to sell until i found out its semi collectable ,, it was about 80 pounds

[@Raymaster7482]

Hmmm Ralfy you gave Springbank 10 (in review 948) a 90/100. Does that mean that you like the 10yo at 46% better than the 12 CS? 🤔

[@michaelgmarks]

OK, I'm confused. You said Springbank was the best distillery in Scotland, bar none. You said this bottle was Nectar of the god's and absolutely fantastic. Then you give it an 88 and you want the good to be better separated from the others. Just what would it take to get a 95 or better from you? If nothing is better, how is this an 88? Don't understand your rating system. Is there a whiskey in existence that would get a 98 or even a 99? You've got me confused on this Ralfy. Really a great review of a great Scotch and am enjoying your discussions. You just baffled me with the rating in comparison with your past reviews. Maybe an Xtras about how and why you do your ratings and how you give nectar of the god's an 88? All in love and respect, Ralfy.

[@DavidUKesb]

Don't get too hung up on ratings. If Ralfy gave your favourite whisky a bad review you'd still buy it because you like it. The reverse is also true. Suggest you get some Ardnamurchan before it becomes difficult to find like Springbank. Its sensational at 6-8 years old and goodness knows how good it'll be in another 5-10 years!

[@michaelgmarks]

@DavidUKesb Not my comment purpose at all. Just asking Ralfy those questions for my understanding of his process. No need for reply from anyone but Ralfy.

[@brianzahnd3522]

Nectar of the gods. 88. Well, which is it?

[@SuperDutchjohn]

Hi Ralfy, I can respect your opinion, in fact I have a bottle of this 12 y/o CS in my collection, it is the Batch 11 bottled in 2015, but I have some problems with it.... First of all, the one I have is listed now on Whiskybase for 499 euro's, and sure, you can buy it maybe cheaper at an auction, but still it will set you back around 350 euro's at least. For that same money I can buy a 25 year old Glengoyne or 2 bottles of Kavalan Virgin Oak for example ( and don't you tell ME that THIS is bad stuff)...........I mean, what are we talking about here, we talk about a 12 year old whisky, okay, maybe it IS good, but THESE prices??? When it goes on like this it will end up as the downfall of Scottish whisky, in the end it will be, look what happens with French whines at the moment, it was the same story with that several years ago.....I agree with you on the fact that the reputation of Scotch whisky is going down, but you and I know that that is because the big owners only care about quantity, not quality! And for your information, I tasted the Springbank 12 y/o CS at a tasting, if I am not wrong it was the batch 16, frankly, it doesn't even come close to the Glengoyne 25 y/o or the Kavalan Virgin Oak I have tasted...........yes, you are right when you say the rep is slowly going down, but that is also because in other countries like Taiwan and India they give excellent value for your money! Thumbs up from The Netherlands!!

[@kirbyculp3449]

Knob Creek 9 Yr bourbon, delicious and affordable.

[@DavidUKesb]

12yo Springbank CS doesn't cost anywhere near that when released. More like about £70

[@ralphthomson2680]

Glengoyne 25 rrp is £400+ Springbank 12CS Is £60/70 rrp.

[@SuperDutchjohn]

@@DavidUKesb Correct, I bought mine for about 70 euro's in 2015, now it is listed on Whiskybase for more than 500 euro's. And the 2021 version of the CS is at the moment (2023) already around 200 euro's!

[@SuperDutchjohn]

@@ralphthomson2680 Not where I live, yes, 8 years ago, that's when I bought it, in 2015! The 2021 version of the CS is already around 200 euro's!

[@Der_Bernd_1]

While watching the video, I always thought, this could be the first time, that you give 99 points. Ralfy, please think it over. What is missing ? If I recall correctly, you rated down Glenlivet 15 yo French Oak one episode l later.

[@jackdeedman5344]

No offense to Springbank, -I like it-, however the reselling from 'investors' means I find equally good malts at half the price. I put springbank and Mcconmen in the same box. I get Springbank are not doing this but the people they sell to are. I go elsewhere. I hope the Whiskey bubble bursts because I don't invest I ingest!

[@brianesparza598]

The next level of transparency should be Springbank telling us where they are sourcing their casks

[@Shane4Bass]

I don't agree that Scotch whisky's reputation is sliding, particularly when there are more distilleries that are starting to bottle their products with integrity presentations.

[@ASIRIDesigns]

Benromach is going to be next. Stock up now.

[@eileenpullen505]

closed in 2008/9 and previously before 1987

[@whiskyinsv]

Unfortunately Springbank is kind of impossible to find at reasonable prices now so basically no point reviewing it :)

[@canalwhiskywhiskey]

I wish i could drink this whisky some day.

[@RichardHowells1234]

Read your 2nd book STORIES from a WHISKY BAR Collected and Told by RALFY, ralfy Good stuff drams all round! (Except Benny and Barry😉)

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . thanks for buying my book 👍

[@jonathanbean7097]

Ralfy, you are articulate, and have an amazing encyclopedic mind for and of whisky, however, after all that, when it comes to our palate, mine has better taste.

[@terrortower666]

That’s purely subjective. Of course everyone’s tastes are right by the their own standards

[@jonathanbean7097]

@@terrortower666 I think my point was, regardless what one knows about whisky, has no baring on how others will or will not enjoy it, because yes, in my subjective opinion, I think I have better taste in whisky than him, just as in my subjective opinion, I think I have inferior taste to my uncle who got me into whisky.

[@pfalzgraf7527]

If you ever need an example for a positive rant - here it is!

[@gordonduff22]

So why just 88? By the way you are lavishing so much praise for Springbank, it surely deserves a 90.

[@Andy_Holbrook332]

Totally agree. I was fully expecting a 90+ score. Bizarre I’ve got this bottle - it is stunning